Sci 2

Zeta M. Cabili
Faculty, College of Education

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Earth and Space: Meteorology
Introduction
Introduction
The conditions of the atmosphere give rise to weather conditions. We may
have observed that sometimes, the weather in a place is different from that of
another place. Weather may change from time to time in the same place. For
example, the sun is just beginning to shine when suddenly after a few minutes, it
starts to rain. Weather is constantly changing. Do you know why?
The Philippines is always visited by tropical cyclones because it lies within the
typhoon belt. Tropical cyclones are weather disturbances.
One of the strongest typhoons that destroyed the Philippines is Typhoon
Yolanda. It did not just damage properties, but also took thousands of lives. This is
just one of the reminders for all of us on how weather affects lives. You will learn
more as you read through this module.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. describe the different types of local weather
2. Identify weather instruments
3. describe the effects of typhoons on the community
4. identify the weather patterns in the community

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Types of local weather (Grade 3)
Weather is the existing condition of the atmosphere over a certain place.
There are different types of weather in the Philippines: sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy,
and stormy.

 Sunny or fair weather shows the presence of cirrus clouds in the sky and it is
the time when the sun shines brightly. Sunny days are usually pleasant as
most people like doing activities outdoors when the sun is up and shining.
When there are no clouds in sight, the sun is able to shine through and keep
the environment war. Sunny days are not always warm. In fact, they can be
cool too, depending on the time of year.
 When it is a cloudy day, the sky is covered with clouds and so is the sun.
clouds are associated with rain but cloudy days do not equate with rain.
 A rainy day occurs when the temperature drops and the water vapor in the
cloud cools and form raindrops.
 Wind gusts form when air is pushed into smaller spaces of vacuum. When
there is strong wind and heavy rain, the weather is stormy. A storm is
sometimes accompanied by thunder and lightning often. These weather
conditions can occur in our country at any time of the year. Some countries of
the world experience snow at certain times of the year.
 However, when warm air mass rises to the sky and cold air rushes to fill the
gap, expect to have a windy day

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Investigate
There are times when it is warm, and you need to go out of the house to cool off.
Sometimes, it is cold, and you shiver. Sometimes, it is hot. To be able to tell exactly
how warm or how cold the air is, you need a weather thermometer. A weather
thermometer is an instrument that records temperature.
Navigate
During the day, the temperature of the air depends on the amount of sunlight that
enters the earth. When it is sunny, then it is warm. When it is cloudy, then it is cool.
At night, the temperature of the air depends on the amount of clouds that cover the
sky. If there are plenty of clouds, the heat during the day cannot escape, so at night,
it will be warm.
If there are very few clouds at night, the heat during the day escapes easily, then it
will be cooler.
If it is sunny, places which are shaded will receive less sunlight.
Temperature in shaded places is cooler than in places which are open and exposed.
It is cooler under the shade of the tree because the place receives less sunlight.

Let’s Apply!
Compose a 5- stanza poem to describe the weather today.

Weather Instruments (Grade 4)

A meteorologist is a person who studies the weather. Meteorologists use
different kinds of instruments to collect data before they can predict the weather. The
accuracy of measuring instruments has not changed greatly, but the ability to
analyze large amounts of information (data) has allowed for more accurate weather
forecasts.
Below are some instruments used by meteorologists.

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 An anemometer is used to find out how fast the
wind is blowing. One kind of
anemometer is made up of
three of four cups attached by
cross rods to the top of the
pole. As the wind hits the
cups, they begin to spin. The
harder the wind blows, the
faster the cups spin. The
anemometer has
speedometer. The speedometer measures wind speed in kilometer per hour. A
change in speed indicates a change in wind speed.
The barometer measures air pressure in millibars. There are two types of
barometers: the mercury barometer, and the aneroid barometer. The mercury
barometer is more exact than the aneroid barometer. However, because of its size
and shape, the mercury barometer cannot be moved around. Most of the barometers
that you see in homes are aneroid barometers.

The weather balloon transmits, or sends radio

signals. These signals give information about
weather. A radiosonde is attached to a balloon
filled with helium gas. The balloon is set free
into the air.
The rain gauge measures the amount of
rainfall. Not only does a rain gauge measure
rainfall, but also all other forms of precipitation.
It is placed in an open space. The gauge
catches the rain. The water drains into a measuring tube. After the rainfall, the
amount of precipitation is measured in centimeter.
The thermometer measures air temperature. To forecast air
temperature accurately, forecasters put the thermometer in a little
house-like container. This container has openings on all sides to
allow air to flow through. The thermometer must be protected from
the sun. A thermometer may bear the Fahrenheit, the Celsius scale,
or both. Air temperature is read in degrees Fahrenheit of 0F and
degrees Celsius or 0C. The Fahrenheit scale is now seldom used.
Temperature is the hotness and coldness of air around us. It differs
from place to place. The angle at which the sun’s rays strike the
surface affects the temperature of a place. The time of the day and
time of the year also affect the air temperature.

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The wind vane measures wind direction. It is a
device that tells the direction of the wind. Wind
direction is the direction from which the wind is
blowing. As the wind blows, the figure on the vane
spins. The direction of the winds is always given by
the direction from which the wind is blowing. A north
wind is blowing from the north. Wind vanes are often
seen on top of buildings. The four-letter E, W, N, S
represent the four directions: East, West, North and
South. If the arrowhead of the wind vane faces the
north direction, we say, the wind is blowing NORTH.
It is the north wind. If it blows from the east, it is East
wind. If the arrowhead points between North and
East, we say, the wind is blowing Northeast.

A hygrometer measures the relative humidity in the

air. It is made up of two thermometers placed side by
side on a board. A wick, or piece of material one of
thermometers that soaks up water, is wrapped around
the bulb of one of the thermometers. The other end of
the wick is placed in a small container of water. This is
a wet bulb thermometer. Water evaporates from the
wick. This kind of hygrometer is often called wet and
dry bulb hygrometer.

Temperature, pressure, humidity wind speed and direction, cloudiness, and amount
of precipitation influence the weather of a place.
Remember these:
Weather charts tell about weather components that determine the weather condition
at any given time. The daily weather report will help you know the weather condition.
Weather report is important. We should give accurate data on air temperature, wind
speed and direction and the sky condition.
Observing the weather condition will help us decide the kind of activities we will do
for the day. Each one of us must care about the weather because our work depends
on its condition for each day. Knowing the weather condition helps us to be safe and
prepare for dangers and calamities
Let’s Apply!
Construct an improvised weather instrument.

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 Let’s Go Beyond!
Make simple interpretations about the weather as recorded in the weather chart.

Weather Chart A
Wind Wind Temperatur Sky
Date/Place Time
Speed Direction e Condition
Fair to
Dec. 29/Cebu 7:00 AM moderate east 23°C
cloudy
April 15/Cebu 7:00 AM light north 28°C clear

Weather Chart B
June 3
Pampanga fair sky condition, temperature ranges from 30°C-34°C, wind is
blowing north
Tagaytay City light to moderate northeast wind, sky is cloudy with brief rain shower,
temperature is 20°C- 24°C
Davao City occasional rain shower and thunderstorm in the morning with
moderate to strong easterly winds, temperature ranges from 25°C-
30°C

Weather Chart C
Time: 10:00 A.M Metro Manila Visayas Mindanao
sky cloudy cloudy clear
wind Speed moderate moderate light
wind Direction northeast northeast east
temperature 29°C 28°C 32°C

Weather Chart D
Time: 3:00 P.M Manila Bukidnon Cebu
Temperature 28°C 12 20
wind speed light fast moderate
wind Direction south southeast east
sky covering clear cloudy partly cloudy

What to do:
1. Study the weather chart.

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2. Make simple interpretations about the weather based on the data recorded in it.

Guide Questions:
1. What are the data recorded in your weather chart?
2. What can you say about the weather in Cebu o the indicated dates and time?
3. How will you describe the weather conditions in Pampanga, Tagaytay City,
and Davao City?
4. What can you say about the weather conditions in Metro Manila, Visayas, and
Mindanao?
5. What can you say about the weather conditions in Metro Manila, Bukidnon,
and Cebu?

Weather Disturbances (Grade 5)

Weather disturbance is a general term that describes any pulse of energy moving
through the atmosphere. They are important in that they can act as focusing
mechanisms for storm formation, or even to intensify low pressure systems. They
are typically mid or upper atmospheric troughs of low pressure that are embedded in
the general wind flow of the atmosphere.

Storm is a violent disturbance in the atmosphere marked by sudden changes in air

pressure and rapid air movements. Some storms may cover a huge area, whereas
other covers only a small area.

Thunderstorm is a localized storm cloud that produces thunder and lightning. It is

one of the most common types of weather disturbances that is experienced in the
country. Thunderstorm brings heavy rain showers, as well as gusty winds over a
large area when the warm, moist air suddenly rises. Warm air then condenses
causing the formation of huge cumulonimbus clouds. Condensed water in the cloud
from droplets which grow bigger and heavier until they fall out of the cloud as rain.

Hurricane a tropical storm with sustained winds of at least 120 km/hr is a

hurricane. The average size of the hurricane. Hurricanes is considered as the most
violent storms on Earth, have several names depending on the location where they
are formed. When winds in a tropical cyclone occurs in the Atlantic or central Pacific
Ocean, it is called a hurricane. In the western Pacific Ocean in some parts of Asia
like the Philippines, weather disturbances that occur are referred to as typhoons. In
the Indian Ocean, they are called cyclones. Hurricane rotate in a counterclockwise
direction around an “eye.” The center of the storm or “eye” is the calmest part. It has
only light winds and fair weather. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong
winds, and large waves can damage life and properties.

Tropical Cyclone/Hurricane/Typhoon. Air pressure has a great effect

on the weather. In cyclone, cooler air moves in to take the place of
the rising warm air. The air currents begin to spin. Wind spiral

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around and into the center of the cyclone. The winds move in a
counterclockwise direction in the northern hemisphere. Cyclones
usually cause rainy, stormy weather. A high pressure area that
contains cold, dry air is called an anticyclone. Winds spiral around
and out from the center of an anticyclone. In the northern
hemisphere the winds move in the clockwise direction. The weather
caused by anticyclone is usually clear, dry, and fair.

Tropical cyclones are classified into three according to the

maximum speed of the wind blowing near the center.

a. Tropical depression- has a maximum sustained wind speed of

less than 63 kph. When it gains speed, it becomes a storm and
eventually a typhoon.
b. Tropical storm- has maximum sustained wind speed which
ranges from 63 to 118 kph. The convection in tropical storms
is usually more concentrated near the center with outer
rainfall organizing into distinct bands. If a cyclone increases
its wind speed, it develops greater than 118 kph.
c. Typhoon- has a wind speed greater than 118 kph.
Tornado is a whirling, funnel-shaped windstorm, which often develops from a
thunderstorm, is a small-diameter column of violently rotating air developed within a
convective cloud and in contact with the ground. Tornadoes that hit a populated area
causes fantastic destruction and great loss of life, mainly from flying debris and
collapsing structures. These strong winds occur in all continents except Antarctica.

Conditions of the Environment Before, During, and After a Typhoon

Before A Typhoon
Before a typhoon occurs, high clouds are observed in the sky. The air is dry
and cold since most of the warm air has already risen. The relative humidity is high.
The wind blows gently and scattered rain showers may occur.
During a Typhoon
During a typhoon, the sky is dark and cloudy. Heavy rainfall accompanied by
strong winds occurs. Big waves are also observed near the coast. When these
waves become unusually high due to abnormally high ocean tides, a storm surge
occurs.
Flash floods may also occur due to heavy rainfall. Landslides may be
triggered by flash floods and heavy rains.
Some trees and crops may be uprooted because of strong winds.

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 Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS)
In order to determine the strength of a typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issues Public
Storm Warning Signals (PSWS). The table below shows the strength of typhoon
entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), as well as the impact of the
winds, and the precautionary measures which should be done.
The Philippine Public Storm Warning Signals
PSWS No.1
Meteorological Conditions:
 A tropical cyclone will threaten/affect an area.
 Winds of 30-60 kph is expected. Intermittent rains may be expected in at least 36 hours. (When
the tropical cyclone develops very close to an area, a shorter lead time of the occurrence of the
winds will be specified in the warning bulletin.)

Impact of the Winds:

 Twigs and branches of small trees may be broken.

 Some banana plants may be tilted or uprooted.
 Some houses of very light materials may be partially unroofed.
 Only very light or no damage may be sustained by areas affected.
 Rice crops in flowering stage may suffer significant damage.

Precautionary Measures:
 When the tropical cyclone intensifies and moves closer, this warning signal number may be
upgraded.
 The waves on coastal waters may gradually develop and swell.
 The people are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin issued by PAGASA every six
hours.
 Business may be carried out as usual except when floods occur.
 Disaster preparedness units are activated to alert status.

PSWS No. 2
Meteorological Conditions:
 A tropical cyclone will affect an area.
 Winds of greater than 60 kph and up to 100 kph may be expected in at least 24 hours.

Impact of the Winds:

 Some coconut trees may tilt; some of them may break.
 Few big trees may be uprooted.
 Many banana plants may be downed.
 Rice and corn crops may be affected.
 A large number of houses made of light materials may be unroofed.
 Old galvanized iron roofing may be peeled off.
 In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities.

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Precautionary Measures:
 The sea and coastal waters are dangerous to small seacraft.
 Special attention should be given to the latest position, direction and movement speed, and
intensity of the storm as it moves toward an area.
 The public especially people traveling by sea and air are cautioned.
 Outdoor activities of children should be postponed.
 Secure properties before the signal is upgraded.
 Disaster preparedness agencies/organizations are in action to alert their communities.
PSWS No. 3
Meteorological Conditions:
 A tropical cyclone will affect the locality
 Winds moving at a speed of 121-170 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours.

Impact of the Winds:

 Many coconut trees may be broken or destroyed.
 Almost all banana plants may be downed and a large number of trees may be uprooted.
 Rice and corn crops may suffer heavy losses.
 Majority of light material houses may be unroofed or destroyed. There may be considerable
damage to structures of light to medium construction.
 There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services.
 In general, moderate to heavy damage may be experienced, particularly in the agricultural and
industrial sectors.
Precautionary Measures:
 The weather condition is dangerous to the communities affected.
 The sea and coastal waters will be very dangerous to all seacraft.
 Travel is very risky especially by air and sea.
 People are advised to seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas, and stay away
from the coasts and riverbanks.
 Watch out for the passage of the eye of the typhoon indicated by a sudden occurrence of fair
weather immediately after very bad weather, with very strong winds coming generally from the
north.
 When the eye of the typhoon hit the community, do not venture away from the safe shelter
because after one to two hours, the worst weather will resume, with the very strong winds coming
from the south.
 Classes in all levels should be suspended and children should stay in the safety of strong
buildings.
 Disaster preparedness and response agencies/organizations are in action with appropriate
response to emergency.
PSWS No. 4
Meteorological Conditions:
 A very intense typhoon will affect the area.
 Winds moving at a speed of 171-220 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours.

Impact of the Winds:

 Coconut plantations may suffer extensive damage.
 Many large trees may be uprooted.
 Rice and corn plantation may suffer severe losses.
 Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction may be severely damaged.
 Electrical power distribution and communication services may be severely disrupted.
 Damage to affected communities can be very heavy.

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Precautionary Measures:
 The situation is potentially very destructive to the community.
 All travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled.
 Evacuation to safer shelters should have been completed.
 The area is very likely to be hit directly by the eye of the typhoon.
 As the eye of the typhoon approaches, the weather will worsen continuously, with winds
increasing to its strongest coming generally from the north.
 A sudden improvement of the weather with light winds will be experienced, which means the
area is under the eye of the typhoon.
 Depending on the eye’s diameter and movement speed, this improved weather may last for an
hour or two.
 As the eye moves out of the area, weather conditions will worsen, with strong winds generally
coming from the south.
 The disaster coordinating councils concerned and other disaster response organizations are now
fully responding to emergencies.

PSWS No. 5
Meteorological Conditions:
 A Super Typhoon will affect the area.
 Very strong winds of more than 220 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours

Impact of the Winds:

 Almost total damage to structures of light materials, especially in highly exposed coastal areas.
 Complete roof failure on many buildings. Severe and extensive window and door damage.
 Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction may be severely damaged.
 Electrical power distribution and communication services severely disrupted.
 All signboards blown down.
 Total damage to banana plantation.
 Most tall trees are broken, uprooted, or defoliated.
 Coconut trees are stooped, broken, or uprooted.
 Few plants and tress survived.
Precautionary Measures:
 All travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled.
 Evacuation to safer shelters should have been completed since it may have been too late for this
situation.
 The disaster coordinating councils concerned and other disaster response organizations are now
fully responding to emergencies and in full readiness to immediately respond to possible
calamity.
 Depending on the eye’s diameter and movement speed, this improved weather may last for an
hour or two.
 As the eye moves out of the area, weather conditions will worsen, with strong winds generally
coming from the south.

After a Tropical Cyclone

After a typhoon, the sun becomes visible and the sky becomes clearer. There
might be scattered rain showers. Some areas may still be flooded and recovering
from the typhoon. If a certain place severely devastated, many residents are staying

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in evacuation areas. Rescue and relief operations are on-going. There might be an
outbreak of water-borne diseases, influenza, and dengue.

Let’s Go Beyond!
When the eye of a typhoon hits a place, they will experience a “lull” or a sudden
improvement of weather with light winds and rain. What causes the lull to happen?

Answer the following questions:

1. What role can social media play before, during, and after a strong typhoon?
2. Why do you think the suspension of class is based on the wind intensity rather
the amount of rainfall? Explain your answer.

Weather Patterns in the Philippines (Grade 6)

The Philippines is located near the equator. It lies between 5 and 20 degrees
north of the equator. The Philippines is an archipelago. It is made up of islands of
different sizes and features. Some are very small while others are large. Mountain
ranges, valleys, hills, and other landforms are found in the different islands
comprising the Philippines. These geographical and physical conditions of the
Philippines affect its climate.

Types of Climate in the Philippines

You have learned from your lesson in the previous grade that weather is the
day-to-day or short-term conditioned of the atmosphere. Repeating weather
condition over a period of time is called a weather pattern. The average weather
pattern in a certain area over a long period of time is the area’s climate. In the
Philippines, climate can be divided into two distinct seasons: the dry and the wet
season. The dry season occurs from December to May. The wet season occurs from
June to November. The dry season is subdivided into cool dry season (from
December to February0 and hot dry season (from March to May)
The Philippines is generally has a warm temperature throughout the year.
However, the amount of rain that falls in the Philippines varies, Rainfall in different
regions comes at different times of the year.
In the Philippines, the amount of rainfall is used to describe the climate in the
different regions. Based on the distribution of rainfall, four climate types are
recognized. These are described as follows:
Types of Climate Description Affected Places
Type I Two pronounced seasons, dry from Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte,
November to April and wet during the Mindoro, Negros, Panay,
rest of the year. Maximum rain period is Western Palawan

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 from June to September.
Type II No dry season with a very pronounced
Catanduanes, Sorsogon,
maximum rain period from December to
Eastern Albay, Eastern and
February. There is no single dry month.
Camarines Sur, and
Minimum monthly rainfall occurs during
Camarines Norte, Eastern
the period from March to May. Mindanao
Type III The season are not very pronounced.
Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva
Relatively dry from either December to
Vizcaya, Mt. Province,
February or March to April. During the
Southern Quezon, Masbate,
rest of the year, wet season is Romblon, Northern Panay,
experienced. Eastern Negros, Cebu,
Northern Mindanao, Eastern
Palawan
Type IV Rainfall is more or less evenly Batanes, Northeastern
distributed throughout the year. Luzon, Southwestern
Camarines Sur, Albay,
Eastern Mindoro,
Marinduque, Western Leyte,
Bohol, Central, Eastern and
Southern Mindanao

The western part of Luzon, Palawan, and the Visayas experience Type I
climate. They have marked dry and wet seasons. Rainfalls in these areas happens
mostly during the southwest monsoon season.

Most of the eastern parts of the archipelago have Type II climate. They have
no pronounced dry season with maximum rainfall from December to February.
Rainfall in these areas is due to large-scale precipitation during the southwest
monsoon and northeast monsoon season.

Climate types III and IV are experienced in most of Mindanao and the central
part of the Philippines. These climate types are defined by precipitation due to the
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The ITCZ is a region near the equator where
winds from the northern and southern hemisphere come together.

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 Climate map of the Philippines

Let’s Go Beyond!
What type of climate does your province or city have? Why?

Let’s Recall!
Distinguish regions in the Philippines according to their climate types by
coloring the Philippine Map.

Let’s Apply!
Read or watch weather forecast for the day. Write what you can do to prepare
for the weather.

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