Cyclones This Year Less Intense Than Last Year
MANILA, Philippines — The cyclones this year are expected to be less intense compared to those that affected the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) last year, sources said. Experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the national weather bureau shared this outlook during a recent forum in Quezon City.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum explained that the stronger storms last year were influenced by the La Niña weather pattern. “The cyclones this year are not more severe than last year, because it was La Niña last year,” he said. He cautioned, however, that while the overall intensity is lower, some strong cyclones might still form.
“On average, no, because it’s La Niña. But don’t say that no intensified cyclone will enter. Our comparison is on the average,” Solidum added.
Why Cyclones Are Weaker This Year
The weather bureau’s Deputy Administrator Mar Villafuerte confirmed that La Niña conditions last year caused warmer sea surface temperatures near the Philippines, which fueled stronger and more humid tropical cyclones. This year, the absence of La Niña means fewer intense storms are expected.
Still, Villafuerte urged the public to stay vigilant. “As compared to last year, it’s not as bad. Last year, from October to November, we had six consecutive typhoons, including super typhoons. For this year, we’re not expecting that,” she said.
She warned against complacency: “But we’re not worrying about it, because maybe our countrymen will become complacent later, saying, ‘it will not be as bad as last time.’ So, they’ll become complacent.”
Number of Cyclones and Forecasts
Villafuerte also noted that aside from the currently monitored Tropical Cyclone Bising, the country may experience 10 to 18 more cyclones this year. Additionally, one to two tropical cyclones are forecast to enter or develop within PAR this July, she added.
Despite the lower intensity forecast, authorities continue to prepare and warn the public about the risks of heavy rainfall and strong winds accompanying these storms.
For more news and updates on cyclones, visit Filipinokami.com.