Claim of Five Weather Systems Near Philippines Misrepresents Actual Threats, PAGASA Clarifies

A widely shared Facebook post claiming that five weather systems are currently active within and around the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has been deemed misleading by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The post, published by Weather Gazer Philippines to its 173,000 followers on the morning of August 7, grouped together a dissipated low pressure area (LPA), a typhoon outside the PAR, and three weather disturbances under observation as equally active threats to the country.

The Facebook post listed Typhoon Dolphin, which is currently outside the PAR, as one of the five weather systems, highlighting its role in enhancing the southwest monsoon or habagat. It also included the LPA that was formerly Tropical Depression Maymay, which was said to be bringing rain to parts of Northern Luzon, along with three other weather disturbances being monitored for possible development.

However, PAGASA clarified in its 11 a.m. public weather forecast that the LPA formerly known as Tropical Depression Maymay had already dissipated by 8 a.m. on the same day. PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja stated that the cloud clusters associated with this system were no longer affecting any part of the country. Furthermore, PAGASA confirmed in a Facebook post at 9:52 a.m. that no other LPAs were being monitored for tropical cyclone formation at that time.

Typhoon Dolphin, while reentering PAGASA's monitoring domain, remains outside the PAR as of 2 p.m. on August 7. The other three systems mentioned in the Facebook post—Invests 96W, 97W, and 98W—are weather disturbances under observation for potential development but are not guaranteed to evolve into tropical depressions or storms. According to The Weather Channel, an 'Invest' refers to a weather disturbance being monitored for possible future development into a tropical cyclone.

The emphasis on five active weather systems in the Facebook post creates a misleading impression that all five pose immediate and equal threats to the Philippines. In reality, the dissipated LPA no longer affects the country, the typhoon remains outside the PAR, and the three Invests are only potential systems under observation.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that at least four people have died due to the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay, along with the enhanced southwest monsoon. Two fatalities and one injury resulted from a landslide in Barangay Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet, while two other deaths were caused by a rockslide in Rodriguez, Rizal. The continuous rainfall from these weather systems and the habagat has affected approximately 80,633 individuals or 23,946 families nationwide.

The Facebook post by Weather Gazer Philippines has attracted significant attention, garnering over 1,300 reactions, 200 shares, and 90 comments. Despite the public interest, PAGASA urges the public to rely on official updates and clarifications to avoid confusion and misinformation regarding weather threats.

In summary, while multiple weather systems are being monitored in and around the Philippines, only some pose immediate risks. PAGASA continues to provide timely updates to ensure public safety and accurate information dissemination. Readers are encouraged to follow official sources for the latest weather advisories and warnings.