Tornadoes in Metro Manila? Climate Change Not to Blame: Expert

Two tornadoes struck parts of Metro Manila during the height of a thunderstorm on August 14. The tornadoes lasted no longer than 5 minutes.

Because tornadoes are such a rare occurrence in the Philippines, more so in Metro Manila, some have blamed it on climate change.

However, an expert from the country’s weather bureau cautions people not to blame changing climate to proliferation of tornadoes.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) senior weather specialist Jun Galang said that while the formation of tornadoes in Metro Manila is rare, it is the frequency of severe thunderstorms that could cause tornadoes.

These thunderstorms are also brought in by the monsoon winds from the southwest side of the Philippines, typical occurrences during this period of the year.

And because Metro Manila is facing the western side, there is a higher chance that moderate to severe thunderstorms would form.

“Panahon lang talaga ngayon ng tag-ulan kaya mas madalas ngayon ang severe thunderstorms. Sunod-sunod din kasi ngayon ang formation ng cumulu-nimbus clouds na dala ng thunderstorms (It’s just that it’s the rainy season so there are more severe thunderstorms. Formation of cumulu-nimbus clouds brought in by thunderstorms are also more common),” Galang said.

Galang added that tornadoes in the Philippines are smaller and do relatively little damage compared to those that strike the United States, which cause millions of dollars in damages.

But Galang stressed that even with severe thunderstorms, the formation of tornadoes is not always guaranteed, adding that climate change is instrumental in causing tornadoes.

“Let’s not assume that a severe thunderstorm would make a tornado appear. We might cause panic among people,” Galang cautioned.

Typically, tornadoes are formed when warm moisture above land meet with cold, dry air above it. As the warm air pushes upwards (called an updraft), the wind changes direction from horizontal to vertical, gradually creating a vortex.

The stronger the updraft of warm air, the stronger the rotation of the vortex becomes, thus creating what is called a “mesocyclone.” This eventually becomes the tornado.

Galang said the two tornadoes that struck Manila City and Quezon City on August 14 were both reported to have appeared sometime after PAGASA announced a severe thunderstorm warning at around 4 p.m.

Galang added tornadoes have happened several times in the Philippines in the past, though most of these go unreported. He said the weather bureau could study the frequency of these weather phenomenon to ensure the safety of people.

“Always remember to stay indoors but stay away from windows to avoid being hit by debris and shattered glass,” Galang said.

(Source: ABS-CBN.com)