Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 16, 2024 2:15 pm GMT
Typhoon Julian, once classified as a super typhoon, has dramatically weakened, shifting from a powerful force to a low-pressure area (LPA) in just a few days. This marks a significant change in weather conditions for the Philippines, particularly for those affected by the storm.
Impact on the Learners
The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that nearly 2.66 million learners have been impacted by Typhoon Julian. Schools and educational programs faced disruptions as the storm brought harsh weather to the region.
Weather Developments
As of 8 a.m. on October 4, Julian re-entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), as announced by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). However, this was short-lived; the storm was downgraded by 5 a.m. on the same day and transitioned into an LPA.
Here are key developments:
- Julian had reached super typhoon status before its downgrade.
- Batanes remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1.
- The storm will bring cloudy skies and scattered rains to northern Luzon.
Weather Conditions Ahead
The LPA, which was once Typhoon Julian, is now 480 kilometers north of Itbayat, Batanes. The system is headed north at a speed of 45 kilometers per hour (km/h). It is expected that the remnants of Julian will interact with a frontal system in the Taiwan region.
Expected Rainfall and Marine Conditions
Throughout Friday, rough seas are anticipated in several areas:
- Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte will see waves up to 3 meters high.
- Other affected areas include portions of the Ilocos Region and Zambales with waves reaching 2.5 meters.
- Additional regions like Cagayan and Palawan may also experience wave heights of up to 2 meters.
Small vessels are advised against venturing out to sea due to the dangerous conditions.
Julian’s Journey
Julian was designated as the 10th tropical cyclone to affect the Philippines in 2024 and the sixth for September. It initially formed from an LPA on September 27, exited PAR on October 1, and re-entered just two days later on October 3. Although Julian did not make landfall in the Philippines, it came close to Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, eventually making landfall in Taiwan.
At its peak, Julian registered maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h, prompting the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 in areas like Batanes and parts of Babuyan Islands. The storm’s heavy rains resulted in moderate to torrential precipitation over Northern and Central Luzon.
Other Weather Influences
After Julian’s passage, various weather systems are contributing to rain across the nation:
- The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is leading to scattered rain and thunderstorms in regions like Bicol, the Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
- The easterlies bring isolated rain showers to the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley.
- other parts of the country may also experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the ITCZ.
With Typhoon Julian now dissipated, the Philippines can begin to assess the aftermath of the storm. Local governments and agencies will continue monitoring weather patterns to ensure public safety.
For more information on weather developments, visit PAGASA or follow weather updates from credible news sources.
As communities bounce back from Typhoon Julian, it’s important for people, especially those living near the coast, to stay alert. The weather can still be rough, so they should be careful and watch for any changes.
