Fewer areas in danger level heat index seen amid rainy season

The Philippines was transitioning to the wet season when Typhoon Aghon entered the country last week. Aghon brought much-needed rain to communities affected by El Niño-induced drought, but it also caused fatalities and the proclamation of a state of calamity in several parts of Luzon.

Meanwhile, the heat index reached 55°C in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on May 26, the highest so far this year, while Aghon was in Philippine territory. 

In this three-part series, GMA News Online looks into the effects of Aghon on the weather during the transition period, the reasons behind the country's first tropical cyclone forming only in May, and what to expect in the months ahead.

LAST OF THREE PARTS

Filipinos have endured intense heat for several months due to the dry weather, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon.

The heat index even reached 55°C in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on May 26, the highest so far this year, while Typhoon Aghon was in Philippine territory.

However, with the arrival of the rainy season, things are about to change.

“We expect na by June ay mababawasan or kokonti na yung mga stations sa ating bansa na nasa danger category which is 42°C to 51°C na heat index… [May] mga stations like yung Virac, nakita natin sa records niya for the past several years na even kahit na ber months ay may mga mataas o nasa danger category pa rin tayo nakita pero lesser na siya o yung mga lugar na yun ay limited at konti na lang,” said PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo in an interview with GMA News Online.

(We expect that by June, there will be fewer stations in the country under the danger category, which is a heat index of 42°C to 51°C… There are stations like Virac, which has records of high or danger category heat index even during ber months for the past several years, but it will be fewer or limited.)

FIRST PART: Rainy season not yet here despite Aghon - PAGASA

SECOND PART: Late start to cyclone season possibly due to El Niño - PAGASA

On Wednesday, PAGASA officially declared the start of the wet season in the country.

But PAGASA said there may be breaks in rainfall that extend over a few days or weeks.

One or two tropical cyclones may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in June, Manalo said.

“Actually, ngayong May, ineexpect natin one or two [tropical cyclones]… then next month, by June ay one or two din. Ito ay paparami as we approach August and September,” he said.

(Actually, this May, we expect one or two [tropical cyclones]… then next month, by June, will be one or two as well. This will increase as we approach August and September.) —VBL, GMA Integrated News