There may be zero or one tropical cyclone that could enter or affect the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this month, a weather forecaster said on Monday, March 1.
"It is possible that we would not have any cyclone this month, or we could have at least one," said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Benison Estareja.
Citing statistics from the PAGASA's Climate Data Section, he said that the country's tropical cyclone tracks in March, from 1948 to 2017, either made landfall or "recurved" away from the Philippines.
"In recent years, 50 percent of tropical cyclones that entered PAR has made landfall, with initial landfall points in southern Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao region," Estareja said.
"Ang iba ay humihina o pa-recurve palayo sa ating bansa. (Other cyclones weakened or recurved away from the country)," he added.
Estareja pointed out that tropical cyclones that developed in March usually reached tropical depression or tropical storm strength.
If a tropical cyclone develops this month, PAGASA will be giving it a local name "Bising," he said.
However, Estareja said it is less likely that a tropical depression or low pressure area will enter or form within the PAR this week.
So far, the warm and humid easterly winds coming from the Pacific Ocean will prevail across the country in the next few days.
Forecast temperatures in the next four days will be 23 to 32 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila; 22 to 32 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao City; 15 to 25 degrees Celsius in Baguio City; 21 to 30 degrees Celsius in Tagaytay City; 25 to 32 degrees Celsius in Legazpi City; 25 to 32 degrees Celsius in Metro Cebu; and 24 to 34 degrees Celsius in Metro Davao.