17 tropical cyclones may enter Philippines this year

MANILA, Philippines - Up to 17 tropical cyclones are expected to enter the country until October this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

Anthony Lucero, officer-in-charge of PAGASA’s climate monitoring and prediction section, said eight to 17 cyclones might enter the Philippine area of responsibility between May and October.

Last year, 15 cyclones visited the Philippines, less than the average 19 to 20 recorded annually.

State weathermen blamed El Niño for the fewer number of cyclones in 2015.

No cyclone has so far entered the country this year.

Lucero said due to the lingering effect of El Niño, the country might still experience fewer number of cyclones this year.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, zero to one cyclone may enter the country this month and in June. One to three is possible in July.

For August, September and October, PAGASA forecasts two to four cyclones each month.

Lucero said the weather bureau might declare the start of the wet season between late May and middle of June.

He had said that a tropical cyclone might trigger the onset of the rainy season.

“The first cyclone that will enter the country this year will be named Ambo.”

DOST to launch TV channel

The Department of Science and Technology will launch its own television channel called DOSTv, wherein all weather information as well as S&T stories will be disseminated.

DOSTv, which will be officially launched on May 30, is being trumpeted as the “Filipino Weather Channel.” Initially, it will be aired over the Internet at http://www.dostv.ph and can be accessed at www.dostv.ph/youtube. – With Ranier Allan Ronda, Evelyn Macairan