This extreme heat is not only uncomfortable, but it also poses serious health risks and economic impacts.

So what’s behind this sweltering weather?

Let’s take a closer look at the factors contributing to the excessive heat in the Philippines.

Climate Change Amplifies Heat Waves

One of the primary drivers of the extreme heat in the Philippines is climate change.

As global temperatures continue to rise due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, heat waves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged. 

A recent study by World Weather Attribution found that climate change made the deadly April heat waves in the Philippines about 1.2°C hotter and significantly more likely to occur.

The Philippines, along with other developing countries, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The country is already prone to natural disasters like typhoons and floods, and the added burden of extreme heat further exacerbates the challenges faced by its population.

El Niño Phenomenon Adds to the Heat

On top of the long-term warming trend caused by climate change, the Philippines is also grappling with the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can lead to drier and hotter conditions in the Philippines.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued an El Niño Watch, indicating a high likelihood of the phenomenon developing in the coming months. 

This could mean even more intense heat and prolonged dry spells for the country.

Urban Heat Island Effect Intensifies Temperatures

Another factor contributing to the excessive heat in the Philippines is the urban heat island effect. This phenomenon occurs when cities experience higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urbanization.

The concentration of heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and asphalt, lack of green spaces, and heat generated by vehicles and air conditioners all contribute to the urban heat island effect.

Cities like Metro Manila, where population density and urbanization are high, are particularly susceptible to this effect.

Health Risks and Economic Impacts

The extreme heat in the Philippines is not just an inconvenience; it poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be life-threatening.Moreover, the excessive heat also has significant economic impacts.

Agriculture, a key sector in the Philippines, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat and drought.

Crop failures and reduced yields can lead to food insecurity and economic losses.

Adapting to the Heat

As the Philippines continues to grapple with the impacts of extreme heat, it is crucial to develop and implement adaptation strategies.

This includes improving early warning systems, promoting heat-resilient urban planning, and increasing access to cooling solutions for vulnerable populations.

At the individual level, people can take steps to protect themselves from the heat by staying hydrated, seeking shade, and limiting outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. 

However, systemic changes and government action are necessary to build long-term resilience against the growing threat of extreme heat.

The Need for Climate Action

Ultimately, addressing the root cause of the extreme heat in the Philippines and other parts of the world requires urgent action on climate change.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy sources are critical steps in mitigating the impacts of global warming.

The Philippines, as a developing country on the frontlines of the climate crisis, has a vital role to play in advocating for climate justice and pushing for ambitious global action.

By working together with the international community and taking decisive steps to adapt and mitigate, we can build a more resilient future for all.

Conclusion

The excessive heat in the Philippines is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences.

Climate change, El Niño, and the urban heat island effect are all contributing factors to the sweltering temperatures that the country has been experiencing.

As we navigate this new reality, it is essential to prioritize adaptation measures, protect vulnerable populations, and advocate for urgent climate action.

By understanding the causes and impacts of extreme heat, we can work towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for the Philippines and the world.

The post What’s Causing the Extreme Heat in the Philippines? appeared first on HyperLocal PH.

Sa blog post na ito, tatalakayin natin ang iba’t ibang paraan upang malaman ang lagay ng panahon bukas.

Mula sa paggamit ng modernong teknolohiya hanggang sa tradisyunal na pamamaraan, bibigyan ka namin ng mga praktikal na tips at tools na makakatulong sa iyo.

Modernong Paraan ng Pag-alam sa Lagay ng Panahon

Mga Mobile Apps at Website

1. AccuWeather: Isa sa mga pinakapopular na weather forecasting apps. Nagbibigay ito ng detalyadong ulat ng panahon, kabilang ang temperatura, ulan, at hangin. Maaari mong makita ang kasalukuyang lagay ng panahon sa iba’t ibang lungsod sa Pilipinas tulad ng Manila, Cebu, at Davao.
2. Windy.com: Isang app na kilala sa detalyadong weather radar at satellite imagery. Mainam ito para sa mga mahilig sa outdoor activities tulad ng surfing at sailing. Nagbibigay ito ng 10-day weather forecast at live updates.
3. RainViewer: Isang app na nagpapakita ng live weather radar. Maaari mong makita ang kasalukuyang pag-ulan at magdagdag ng mga lokasyon sa iyong paborito para sa mas mabilis na access.
4. PAGASA: Ang opisyal na weather forecasting agency ng Pilipinas. Nagbibigay ito ng araw-araw na weather forecast at mga babala sa bagyo. Maaari mong bisitahin ang kanilang website para sa pinakabagong updates.

Mga Online Resources

1. Zoom Earth: Isang website na nagpapakita ng live satellite images ng Pilipinas. Makikita mo ang mga ulap, bagyo, at iba pang weather systems sa real-time.
2. Weather.com: Nagbibigay ng detalyadong weather forecast para sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Pilipinas. Maaari mong makita ang hourly at daily forecast, pati na rin ang mga babala sa bagyo.
3. Reddit: Isang online community kung saan maaari kang magtanong at magbahagi ng impormasyon tungkol sa pinaka-accurate na weather forecasting apps at websites. Maraming gumagamit ang nagrerekomenda ng iba’t ibang apps tulad ng Windy at Rainalarm.
4. Youtube: May mga Youtube channels din ang nagbabalita ng kasalukuyang taya ng panahon kagaya ng GMA News, ABS-CBN News, DOST Weather Report, at marami pang iba.

Mga Praktikal na Tips

1. Gumamit ng Maraming Source: Huwag umasa sa iisang weather app o website lamang. Mas mainam na mag-check ng iba’t ibang sources upang makakuha ng mas accurate na forecast.
2. Mag-set ng Weather Alerts: Maraming weather apps ang may feature na mag-set ng alerts para sa mga pagbabago sa lagay ng panahon. Ito ay makakatulong upang maging handa ka sa anumang biglaang pagbabago.
3. Pagmamasid sa Kalikasan: Kahit na may modernong teknolohiya, ang pagmamasid sa kalikasan ay isa pa ring epektibong paraan upang malaman ang lagay ng panahon. Ang mga pagbabago sa ulap, hangin, at temperatura ay maaaring magbigay ng indikasyon ng paparating na panahon.

Tradisyunal na Paraan ng Pag-alam sa Lagay ng Panahon

Mga Pamamaraan ng mga Mangingisda at Magsasaka

1. Pagmamasid sa Kalikasan: Sa Tawi-Tawi, ginagamit ng mga mangingisda at magsasaka ang pagmamasid sa ulap, hangin, at temperatura upang hulaan ang lagay ng panahon. Halimbawa, ang presensya ng cumulonimbus clouds ay indikasyon ng paparating na ulan.
2. Mga Hayop at Insekto: Sa Ifugao, ang pag-uugali ng mga hayop at insekto ay ginagamit bilang indikasyon ng paparating na panahon. Halimbawa, ang paglabas ng mga maya birds sa mga palayan ay tanda ng paparating na ulan.
3. Mga Ritwal: Sa Ifugao, may mga ritwal tulad ng “gito” at “puwok” na isinasagawa upang protektahan ang mga pananim mula sa bagyo at iba pang kalamidad.

Ang pag-alam sa lagay ng panahon bukas ay hindi lamang tungkol sa paggamit ng modernong teknolohiya. Ang kombinasyon ng tradisyunal na kaalaman at modernong tools ay makakatulong upang makakuha ng mas accurate na forecast.

Sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mga nabanggit na apps, websites, at tradisyunal na pamamaraan, magiging handa ka sa anumang pagbabago sa lagay ng panahon.

Huwag kalimutang mag-check ng iba’t ibang sources at mag-set ng weather alerts upang maging laging handa.

Sa huli, ang pagiging handa sa anumang lagay ng panahon ay isang mahalagang aspeto ng ating pang-araw-araw na buhay.

Kaya’t gamitin ang mga tips at tools na ito upang masigurado ang iyong kaligtasan at kaginhawaan.

The post Lagay ng Panahon Bukas, Paano Malalaman? appeared first on HyperLocal PH.

As Aghon continues its path, it is crucial for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Aghon’s Current Status and Projected Path

As of the latest update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tropical Depression Aghon was located over the coastal waters of Sibuyan Island, moving west-northwestward at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour (km/h).

The tropical depression has slightly weakened, with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.

Aghon is forecast to move generally northwestward over the Sibuyan Sea and Tayabas Bay, potentially making landfall over Marinduque within the next 12 hours. During this period, the possibility of Aghon further weakening into a low-pressure area is not ruled out.

After passing through Marinduque, Aghon is expected to move upward and possibly make another landfall in Quezon, either in Lucena City or Pagbilao, before emerging over Lamon Bay by Sunday morning, May 26.

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over several areas in Luzon, including:

• Northern portion of Aurora (Casiguran, Dilasag)
• Polillo Islands
• Southern portion of Quezon (Calauag, Guinayangan, Lopez, Buenavista, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Narciso, San Francisco, San Andres, Tagkawayan, Gumaca, Quezon, Alabat, Perez, Plaridel, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Atimonan, Unisan)
• Eastern portion of Romblon (Cajidiocan, Magdiwang, San Fernando)
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Catanduanes
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands

In the Visayas, TCWS No. 1 is in effect over:

• Northern Samar
• Samar
• Eastern Samar
• Biliran
• Leyte
• Southern Leyte
• Extreme northern portion of Cebu (San Remigio, Tabogon, City of Bogo, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Borbon) including Camotes and Bantayan Islands

Dinagat Islands in Mindanao is also under TCWS No. 1.

Expected Rainfall and Potential Hazards

Aghon is expected to bring heavy rainfall over several regions, which may trigger flooding and landslides, especially in areas highly susceptible to these hazards. PAGASA’s rainfall forecast from Saturday noon, May 25, to Sunday noon, May 26, includes:

• 100-200 millimeters (mm): Quezon including Polillo Islands, the eastern part of Laguna, the eastern part of Rizal, Marinduque, Romblon, Bicol
• 50-100 mm: Eastern part of Isabela, Aurora, Metro Manila, the rest of CALABARZON, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, and the northern portion of Western Visayas

Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures, monitor updates from local authorities, and be prepared for possible evacuation if necessary.

Government Response and Preparedness Measures

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has alerted its field offices in Eastern Visayas, Bicol, and Caraga to check their inventories of family food packs as part of the preparations for the potential impact of Aghon.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured that the agency has prepositioned over P189 million worth of food packs in areas under TCWS No. 1, with additional stockpiles in the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Cebu City.

Local government units and disaster risk reduction and management offices in affected regions have also been implementing preparedness measures, such as activating emergency response protocols, conducting pre-emptive evacuations in high-risk areas, and ensuring the readiness of relief goods and rescue equipment.

As Tropical Depression Aghon continues to affect various parts of the Philippines, it is essential for residents to remain vigilant, stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources, and follow the advice of local authorities.

By working together and prioritizing safety, communities can minimize the potential impacts of Aghon and bounce back stronger in the face of this natural hazard.

Remember, in times of calamities, it is the spirit of bayanihan that will help us weather the storm. Stay safe, stay informed, and let us look out for one another as we navigate through these challenging times.

The post Tropical Depression Aghon: The First Storm of 2024 Hits the Philippines appeared first on HyperLocal PH.