According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), wind shear is causing rain in Southern Luzon. Heavy to very heavy rains are forecast to affect the areas of Bicol, Quezon, Mimaropa and Calabarzon. Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon will continue to affect the rest of Luzon.
“In December, there may be one to two storms entering or developing within the Philippine Forecast Area (PAR),” PAGASA weather expert Grace Castaneda shared.
Weather expert Ana Clauren-Jorda said people should prepare for tropical storms that could hit the country during the holiday season.
“The storm has a high chance of making landfall or affecting the Philippines as a tropical storm or typhoon,” Jorda explained.
Jorda affirmed that PAGASA is not monitoring any low pressure area or tropical cyclone that may affect the country in the next three to five days.
“If there is a weather disturbance being tracked, let us always stay informed and vigilant, even during the Christmas or year-end holiday season. We must always be prepared and vigilant in case a tropical storm or typhoon is being tracked in the Philippines,” she added.
In 2024, at least 16 typhoons have made landfall in the Philippines and its PAR region. Based on PAGASA reports, the Philippines has recorded six tropical storms since October: Kristine (international name: Trami), Leon (international name: Kong-rey), Marce (international name: Yinxing), Nika (international name: Toraji), Ofel (international name: Usagi), and Pepito (international name: Man-yi).
Meanwhile, Vietnam recorded 9 storms making landfall this year. Most recently, storm No. 9 Man-yi made landfall in the central coast of Vietnam, weakening into a low-pressure area as it approached the central mainland.
According to PAGASA's 2024 storm name list, the next two storms this year, if they appear, will be named Querubin and Romina.
By December, although the typhoon season has passed, storms are still inevitable near the East Sea due to climate change.
People and tourists should pay attention to weather forecasts and update destination information to arrange appropriate schedules and avoid being affected by storms.
