What is a Typhoon?

Tropical cyclone, also called typhoon or “bagyo” in our country, an intense circular storm that originates over warm
tropical oceans, is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.
The term typhoon is used only in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. In the northeastern part of the Pacific
Ocean and in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, the equivalent term is hurricane.
Category Maximum Speed kilometer per hour (kph)
Tropical Depression 64
Tropical Storm 118
Typhoon 200
Super typhoon Greater than 200
When a weather disturbance enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the weather bureau begins to
monitor it. To know where the PAR is do the task to find out.
How Typhoons develop? A tropical cyclones forms when winds blow into areas of the ocean
where the water is warm which is found near the equator. The better source of water vapor is in
the ocean but not all can provide water vapor. According to scientists, the temperature of ocean
water must be 26.5°C or greater. These winds collect moisture and rise, while colder air moves in
below. This creates pressure, which causes the winds to move very quickly. In landmasses the
typhoons weaken because it’s loses energy in cold, causing them to vanish if the land mass is
large.
PSWS Lead Time (hrs) Winds (kph) Impact of the Wind
#1 36 30 - 60 No damage to very light damage
#2 24 62 - 120 Light to moderate damage
#3 18 121 - 170 Moderate to heavy damage
#4 12 171 - 220 Heavy to very heavy heavy damage
#5 12 More than 220 Very heavy to widespread damage
According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA), an average of 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)
every year. We have to be knowledgeable and always ready about tropical cyclones to prevent
loss and damages.