PAGASA: Up to 14 tropical cyclones may still enter PAR this year

Eleven to 14 tropical cyclones are still expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from July until the end of the year, state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday.

At a climate forum, PAGASA senior weather specialist Rusy Abastillas said that three or four tropical cyclones may arrive in July.

Generally near to above normal rainfall in most parts of Luzon and the Visayas are expected next month, according to her. Meanwhile, Mindanao, except Davao del Sur (below normal rainfall), is seen to experience near normal rainfall conditions.

The number of tropical cyclones will then reduce to two or three in August, September, and October. By November and December, one or two more may enter PAR.

“‘Pag July, August, September, nasa Luzon halos ang track, lalo na sa extreme Northern Luzon, pagdating ng August hanggang September. Pero pagdating ng October, ‘yung mga bagyo natin, ito na ‘yung mga maraming bagyo na nagco-cross sa Luzon, Central Luzon, as well as the Visayas area,” Abastillas said.

(The track of the tropical cyclones is mostly in Luzon in July, August, September, especially in extreme Northern Luzon, from August to September. But when October comes, many typhoons may cross Luzon, Central Luzon, as well as the Visayas area.)

She added that the track of the tropical cyclones in November and December are usually along the Visayas and Northern Mindanao areas. 

So far, three tropical cyclones have entered the PAR this year, namely: Tropical Depression Amang, Typhoon Betty, and Typhoon Chedeng. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News