'No more typhoon until yearend'

MANILA, Philippines - No tropical cyclone will hit the country in the last week of 2010, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

But PAGASA weather branch chief Robert Sawi said the northeast monsoon would still bring rains in most parts of the country, particularly in the eastern sections of Luzon and the Visayas until Saturday, New Year’s Day.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, would experience cloudy skies with isolated rain showers, he said.

Sawi said a total of 11 cyclones entered the country this year, lower than the historical average of 20 annually.

Sawi explained that the prevailing La Niña phenomenon and the strong easterly winds prevented the development of cyclones in the last quarter of the year.

“During a La Niña event, cyclones in the Philippines are fewer but more intense,” Sawi noted.

PAGASA experts said the La Niña event could bring above normal rainfall in most parts of the country until early next year.

La Niña refers to the abnormal cooling of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and is characterized by excessive rainfall.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Filipinos can expect cooler weather in the coming days.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Elvie Enriquez said temperatures are expected to go down further, with Metro Manila experiencing 21-degree weather yesterday morning.

She said temperatures are lower in Baguio City at 13 to 21 degrees and 18 degrees in Tagaytay City.