Page 43 - SB volume 12 for web

THE PHILIPPINES CLIMATE

Typhoon season in the Philippines is July-October, when
70% of typhoons develop. The Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) issues typhoon warnings to the general populace.

The five-year running average indicates that more typhoons
occur during El Niño events. El Niño events, which occur
every 2–7 years on average, cause less rain and typhoon
activity. La Niña events, which are less common, result in
heavier rainfall and more typhoon activity. The strongest
typhoon in history was super typhoon Haiyan, also known
as Yolanda in the Philippines, which had winds of up to
195 mph, killed 6,300 people and displaced millions.

Hence, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, the
Philippines is among the top five countries that are
most affected by climate change. A study by the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) has estimated that by 2100, the
average cost of climate change to the country would equal
losing 6% of its gross domestic product (GDP) each year,
which is more than twice the global average loss.

High temperatures and heavy rainfall are typical of the
Philippines’ humid equatorial climate. The average annual
rainfall is 2,348 mm, but this varies greatly by location,
ranging from 960 mm in southeast Mindanao to over 4,050
mm in central Luzon.

The year-round average temperature in the Philippines
is 24°–27°C, with the hottest month being May and the
coldest month being January. Humidity levels average
around 82%, due to warm trade winds, lush vegetation and
abundant rainfall.

The dry season in the Philippines occurs from December to
May, followed by a rainy season from June to November. A
second rainy season occurs from December to February on
the eastern and northern coasts. Recently, the Philippines
have seen wetter conditions during the dry season.

The Philippines is one of the world’s most typhoon-prone
regions, averaging 19 to 20 typhoons annually, with 7 to 9
making landfall. The Philippines’ sea levels are rising faster
than the global average, posing a greater risk of storm
surges and threatening the permanent submergence of low-
lying areas.

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