QUEZON City, Philippines (June 15) – Raise your hand if your mom always reminds you to bring your “foldable” umbrella. Chances are, though, we do not follow our mom’s advice. While you’re in the middle of your commute, the sky darkens and a thunderstorm comes out of nowhere, leaving you drenched and stranded.
As always, the start of the Philippine school year coincides with the start of the rainy season. Unlike the bygone days, today’s weather is truly unpredictable. You may be greeted by a warm morning, full of sunshine then have heavy rain pouring down during the afternoon or early evening. These weather phenomena -depending on severity – can be either rain, showers or thunderstorms.
In layman’s terms, “rain” is a more widespread event. Most, if not all of the area will see rain and it will last for a while.
A “shower” is more isolated and scattered. Your area may be experiencing a shower but the neighboring area is dry. Showers also have a shorter duration – between a minute to an hour.
Thunderstorms, at the risk of being too obvious, is a sudden storm accompanied by lightning and thunder. Since not all of us have access to the weather channel, it is very hard to predict if one is going to hit anytime soon.
Or so we thought.
Since we are kids, we believe that a dark, cloudy sky will bring rain. But actually, not all dark clouds bring rain.
Instead, pay attention to these factors:
Cloud formation
Remember what we learned in our elementary days? What we should look for are cumulus clouds. These are the clouds that looks so cottony and fluffy. But that fluffy, soft-like exterior brings with it violent weather.
Darkening sky
When the sky immediately darkens, that is your signal to seek shelter. Clouds that bring a thunderstorm can become so massive that they will block out the sun’s rays. When thunderstorms are brewing, the morning looks like the night.
Lightning
Lightning can strike 10 to 15 miles from the center of the storm. That’s why when you see lightning coming from a clear, blue sky, expect that a thunderstorm will follow.
Wind
Sudden change in the direction the wind is blowing as well as sudden gusts of wind also indicate a coming thunderstorm.
If all four occurs simultaneously, chances are, there will be a thunderstorm.
Still, it would be prudent to remember that forecasting the weather is not 100% accurate. So, just follow your mom’s advice and always bring your “foldable” umbrella, just to be sure!
(written by Jay Paul Carlos, edited by Vince Alvin Villarin)