Storms like "Kristine" are typical in the Philippines but in recent years, cyclones have become less frequent. However they are also stronger, an analysis of state weather bureau data showed.

In 2023, 11 cyclones entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the lowest since at least 2017, the earliest period for which data is readily available. In 2022, there were 18, while in 2021, 15 cyclones entered PAR— all below the average of 20 typhoons each year.

While there are fewer typhoons however, they have become stronger. Last year, average maximum sustained winds of these cyclones while inside PAR reached as high as 134 kilometers per hour (kph), equivalent to a signal no. 3 in the government's storm warning scale.

Storms have become so strong that they do not need to hit land to cause devastation. Only four of 2023 cyclones— locally named "Amang", "Dodong", "Egay" and "Kabayan"— made landfall, but it was "Falcon" that closely followed Egay but did not hit land that resulted into the most damage.

Storm weather signals measure wind speed and not rain, which is gauged by another metric. That said, state meteorologists say typhoons often enhance other weather systems like the southwest monsoon, colloquially known as hanging habagat, bringing rains and floods when they do so.

Tropical Storm Kristine is the 11th cyclone to have entered PAR this year. A new cyclone recently developed outside Philippine territory and is being closely monitored.

Source:

Pagasa

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