First May rains in Cebu not enough, cloud seeding continues — Pagasa exec

Rain was felt in Metro Cebu Sunday morning. (CDN PHOTO/ TONEE DESPOJO)

THERE were isolated rain showers in several parts of Cebu yesterday, which were the first recorded rains this May.

But Alfredo Quiblat Jr., Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Mactan chief, said these rains could not fully replenish the sources of water affected (by el Niño) in Cebu.

Quiblat even said that they will continue cloud seeding operations this week.

Cloud seeding can be done by dispersing substances into the air that serve as ice nuclei which changes the microphysical processes within the cloud.

Last April, the weather bureau declared a dry spell after two consecutive months of way below normal rainfall or 60 percent reduction of rain.

Pagasa said that if the rains will still be below normal this May, then they will announce in the first week of June that Cebu is experiencing drought.

“We still have to wait until the end of the month,” Quiblat added.

Vhan Singson, Pagasa weather specialist, said Pagasa yesterday recorded 4.2 millimeters of rain from 10:25 a.m. to 10:39 a.m.

Singson said that the normal average rainfall for May is 100.60 mm.

She also said that yesterday’s rains were caused by the water cycle.

The water cycle is a process by which water is circulated throughout earth and the atmosphere, which involves evaporation, condensation and precipitation.

Singson said, aside from Cebu City, Talisay, Naga and Carcar cities and Minglanilla and Sibonga towns also experienced isolated rain showers yesterday.