8 more cyclones to hit RP

MANILA, Philippines - About five to eight tropical cyclones are likely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in the last quarter of the year, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the weather systems that are expected to affect the country from October to December are the tail end of a cold front, intertropical convergence zone, easterly wave, ridge of high-pressure area, the easterlies, and about five to eight tropical cyclones.

“During the season, tropical cyclones move on a more westerly track across central and southern parts of Luzon and Visayas with secondary tracks over northern Mindanao,” Pagasa said in its Seasonal Climate Outlook.

Pagasa said rainfall conditions during this period are expected to be above normal in most parts of Luzon, Northern Panay, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Southern Mindanao.

The rest of Luzon, major portions of Visayas and Mindanao, meanwhile, will likely experience near normal rainfall conditions, it said.

Nine tropical cyclones have so far entered the Philippines this year.

About 19 to 20 cyclones usually visit the country annually.