Pagasa: Zero to one storm may strike in April

MANILA, Philippines — From zero to one tropical cyclone may hit the country this April despite the onset of the hot, dry season, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Saturday.

According to Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja, tropical cyclones are rare in April. 

“Base po sa climatology ng Pagasa, zero to one po ang inaasahan nating bagyo for [April 2023]. Bagamat bihira ang bagyo tuwing buwan ng Abril, hindi ito imposible,” he said. 

(Based on Pagasa’s climatology, we can expect zero to one tropical cyclone in April.  While it is rare for a tropical cyclone to form during the month of April, it is not impossible.)   

Estareja said that a tropical cyclone may form east of Mindanao. It could make landfall in the Caraga region or Western Visayas, and pass through the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon Palawan) region. 

Should a tropical cyclone develop east of the Visayas or the Bicol region, it has a lower chance of making landfall and may dissipate over the Pacific Ocean, he added.

 “So far, wala pa naman tayo nakikitang bagyo na posible pumasok sa ating area of responsibility in the next three to five days,” said Estareja. 

(So far, we do not see a storm that may possibly enter our area of responsibility in the next three to five days.) 

 gsg