Meteorologist Explains How Typhoon Develops
April 11, 2015
LA TRINIDAD – How does a typhoon develop?
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Meteorologist Danny Galaty explained how a typhoon develops in a lecture delivered to student participants of the Benguet State University National Service Training Program in a Kalikasan Camp held recently.
Typhoon goes through various stages before it becomes full blown, Galaty said. It builds into low pressure at the Pacific Ocean with scattered rain showers and scattered cloud formations.
As it intensifies, it develops into a tropical depression. This time its body is developing but still dispersed with maximum winds of 35 to 63 kilometers per hour (kph).
When it gains strength it transforms into a tropical storm with a wind strength ranging from 64 kph to 118 kph. It now has a body and a possible eye. It brings strong rains aside from strong winds.
As the tropical storm intensifies, it becomes a typhoon with a faster wind rate exceeding 118 kph to a maximum of 218 kph. The spiral band is now very distinct with a defined eye or a hole at the center.
Recently, due to the change in weather conditions typhoons have evolved, said Galaty. There is now a new classification called super typhoon or modified tropical cyclone borne out of the experience during typhoon Yolanda. Signal No. 5 shall be raised when wind speed reaches 220 kph. The highest used to be signal No. 4.
Based on international standards of the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva joined by 158 countries of which the Philippines is a member, the issuance of weather bulletin is every six hours Galaty said.
The weather bulletin is issued at 4:30AM, 11:00AM, 5:00PM and finally at 11PM released through mass media or online media./JDP/SCA-PIA CAR/Benguet
