Tornadoes occur in May, says Pagasa

Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday warned the public against the frequent occurrence of tornadoes this May due to severe thunderstorms.

PAGASA said tornadoes, which are associated with intense thunderstorms, usually occur during the month of May.

Rainshowers and thunderstorms usually occur in the late afternoons and evenings, even during the summer, due to hot weather from morning to early afternoon, it said.

“Yes, it (tornado) is possible especially over flat terrain when warm and humid air interacts with an upward moving air,” PAGASA acting administrator Nathaniel Servando told The STAR.

Servando, however, said tornadoes in the Philippines are not as intense as those in the United States.

Tornadoes ripped through seven southern US states on Thursday, killing nearly 300 people.

Tornadoes are extremely des-tructive, funnel-shaped rotating columns of air that pass on a narrow path over land.

The hottest temperature in the country was recorded at 39.5 degrees Celsius last April 19 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

In Metro Manila, the warmest day was recorded last April 26 at 36.1 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA weather branch chief Robert Sawi earlier said the weather will be a lot warmer in May than in April.

Weather experts said they were still compiling statistics on the number of tornadoes that have hit the country.