AT LEAST two tropical cyclones are forecast to enter Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) for the month of December.
Alfredo Quiblat Jr., chief of weather specialist of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) Mactan said that the cyclones’ storm track likely to hit Visayas regions.
“Sixty to seventy percent of historical data showed that Visayas is part of the storm track from November to December because of Amihan as prevailing winds,” Quiblat said.
The northeast monsoon or the “Amihan” wind brings rainfall and cold winds from Siberia. The weather bureau officially announced the onset of Amihan last November 1.
“Amihan pulls the tropical cyclone downward. Most of the tropical cyclones in November and December are strong since Pacific Ocean is hotter,” Quiblat added.
Names of the tropical cyclones this December that were forecast to enter PAR are Nina and Ofel.
To recall, the strongest tropical cyclone that hit Visayas was Yolanda (Haiyan) on Nov. 8, 2013.
At present, there is no low pressure area (LPA) being monitored outside PAR.