PAGASA reminds public to rely on official forecasts amid 'super typhoon' reports circulating online
PAGASA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday, Oct. 28 warned the public against viral social media posts claiming that a “super typhoon” is expected to hit the country in early November.
In a statement, the weather bureau said it is aware of several online posts from unverified sources predicting a powerful typhoon that may cross Southern Luzon and the Visayas between Nov. 5 and 7, citing long-range weather models.
PAGASA clarified that its latest two-week tropical cyclone threat potential forecast, issued on Oct. 26, indicates only a “medium potential” for a tropical cyclone to form outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2.
“This potential weather disturbance may eventually cross the central portion of the country during the following week (Nov. 3–9),” PAGASA said.
“However, we would like to emphasize that since this forecast is still within the two-week range, there remains a high uncertainty in the specific details of the forecast, particularly regarding the exact path and intensity of the potential tropical cyclone,” it added.
PAGASA said long-range forecasts are subject to significant changes and should not be treated as definitive.
The public is advised to refrain from using unverified information from unofficial sources, especially for disaster preparedness activities.
PAGASA urged the public to rely only on official forecasts and warnings posted on its website and official social media pages.
For verified weather updates, the weather bureau also advised monitoring its regular bulletins and advisories, especially as the country remains within the peak months of the typhoon season.