Notes On The Climate of The Philippines
Notes On The Climate of The Philippines
Notes On The Climate of The Philippines
Typhoons have a great influence on the climate and weather conditions of the Philippines. A great portion of the rainfall, humidity and cloudiness are due to the influence of typhoons. They generally originate in the region of the Marianas and Caroline Islands of the Pacific Ocean which have the same latitudinal location as Mindanao. Their movements follow a northwesterly direction, sparing Mindanao from being directly hit by majority of the typhoons that cross the country. This makes the southern Philippines very desirable for agriculture and industrial development. Following are definitions of some common terms used in various issuances such as forecasts and advisories. Weather the specific conditions of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It is measured in terms of such parameters as wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour to hour and season to season. the average weather and its long term variability over a particular place and time (say a month, a season, a year or several years). refers to the fluctuations / variations of climate observed since the instrumental period (i.e., 1860 to present). These fluctuations are due to natural causes and to human activities. a division of the year according to some regularly recurent phenomena, usually astronomical or climatic. In the tropics, precipitation is the primary factor; thus, nearly all regions have their rainy season and dry season. the average value of a meteorological element over any fixed period of years that is recognized as standard for a country and element concerned; usually a 30-year period as recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). the deviation of (usually) temperature or precipitation from the normal values in a given region over a specified period. locally known as "Amihan". It affects the eastern portions of the country from October up to late March, starts over Siberia as a cold, dry air mass but gathers moisture as it travels across the Pacific Ocean before reaching the eastern sections of the Philippines is characterized by widespread cloudiness with rains and showers. The North Pacific Trades gradually replaces the NE Monsoon in March, appears in all seasons and blows dominantly from March to April, giving strong convective activity. locally known as "Habagat", it affects the country from July to September, is very warm and humid, occurs when warm moist air flows over the country from the southwest direction, is characterized by heavy rainfall that may last for a week. It brings the rainy season to the western portion of the country.
Climate
Climate Variability
Season
SW Monsoon
Description Result of the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere tradewind convergence Front boundary of 2 air masses, found in midlatitudes Wavelike perturbations embedded in the easterly current
Associated Weather
Period
Migratory, depending on Widespread cloudiness, occasional thunderthe time of the year storms, precipitation, moderate to strong surface winds Rainfall and cloudiness over affected areas Northern portion of the country during the Northern Hemisphere winter season More frequent during the transition period
Easterly Waves
Tropical Cyclone Intensity / Category Intensity / Category Tropical Depression Tropical Storm Typhoon Super Typhoon Maximum Winds Between 35 KPH and 64 KPH near the center Between 65 KPH and 118 KPH near the center 119 to 200 KPH near the center Maximum winds greater than 200 KPH
Lecture Notes for Instructional Purpose only. Prepared by: N.R. Bautista Department of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Rizal Technological University, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Philippines 2012