ILOILO City – Fair weather is expected across Panay Island beginning today, November 18, as Typhoon “Pepito” is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday morning or noontime, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – Iloilo.
Jan Hermo Baron, weather facilities technician of PAGASA-Iloilo, stated in a weather bulletin issued on Sunday, November 17, that Western Visayas, particularly Panay Island, is no longer under any tropical cyclone wind signal.
Signal No. 1 in Carles, Iloilo, was lifted following improvements in weather conditions.
“Since the typhoon is gradually moving away, we anticipate improved weather conditions . In fact, satellite data already indicates better weather,” said Baron.
Localized thunderstorms are still possible across the region, particularly in Iloilo, which may bring brief rainfall. However, these showers are expected to be short-lived.
Baron explained that Signal No. 1 was raised in Carles due to the municipality’s island barangays located near Eastern Visayas, which were within the typhoon’s path and at risk of experiencing strong winds along coastal areas.
After Typhoon “Pepito” exits the PAR, PAGASA expects two to eight more typhoons to potentially develop or enter the PAR before the year ends.
“For November and December, we usually see one to two typhoons per month, based on historical data. However, this year, we observed six typhoons in September and, so far, four in November,” Baron said.
The higher number of typhoons this year is attributed to pre-developing La Niña conditions, which result in ocean surface temperatures warmer than average.
“When ocean surface temperatures rise, it creates a favorable environment for typhoon development and intensification,” Baron explained.
Panay Island residents are advised to remain cautious of localized thunderstorms and stay updated on weather advisories as the typhoon season continues./PN
