SCIENCE: SEASONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

• Weather


  The condition of the atmosphere at a particular place over a short period of time
• Weather

  • Can change from hour to hour and from one day to another
  • Influenced by temperature, humidity, and precipitation
• Climate


  The average weather pattern of a place over a long period of time (such as months and years)
• Weather and climate are different from season
• Seasons in some parts of the Earth

  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
  • Spring
• In the Philippines, we only have two seasons, namely, wet season and dry season
• The Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees
• The Earth does not stand up straight as it rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun
• As the Earth revolves around the sun

  1. Some areas of the planet experience various changes

  2. Changes in temperature

  3. Changes in length of day and night

  4. Changes in amount of precipitation
• When the North Pole tilts towards the sun

  It is summer season in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere
• When the North Pole tilts away from the sun

  It is winter season in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere
• The seasons in the Northern Hemisphere are the opposite of those in the Southern Hemisphere
• Seasons


  Periods of the year characterized by particular weather patterns and daylight hours
• Seasons follow one regular pattern within a year
• Causes of seasons

  The earth's tilted axis and revolution around the sun
• Unlike the places mentioned above, the Philippines has two seasons only, namely, wet season and dry season
• This is due to the fact that the Earth's tilted axis does not affect the amount of direct sunlight it receives from the sun
• Seasons in the Philippines

  Caused by its location on the equator and prevailing winds
• Since the Philippines is located just right above the equator, it receives direct heat from the sun throughout the year
• This is the reason why we experience relatively high temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall year-round
• The sun's heat also speeds up the evaporation process in surrounding water bodies
• This results to infrequent to frequent rainfall all throughout the country
• Northeast Monsoon and Southwest Monsoon


  Prevailing winds that blow consistently in specific direction and period over particular areas in the country
• Wet or rainy season

  • Takes place from June to November
  • Characterized by frequent rainfall, which may bring flood to the lowlands
  • Typhoons often hit the country during this season
  • Southwest Monsoon or Hanging Habagat brings warm and moist air, causing heavier rains and stronger typhoons
• Wet season effects

  • Farmers plant their crops during this season because the abundance of rainwater makes their crops grow quickly
  • People prefer to serve and eat warm foods as well as wear thick and long-sleeved clothes
  • People do most of their activities indoors
  • When going outdoors, they usually bring umbrellas and raincoats
• Dry season

  • Takes place during the months of December to May
  • Characterized by less and infrequent rainfall as well as dusty soil
  • Some crops die due to insufficient supply of water
  • Influenced by the Northeast Monsoon or Hanging Amihan that brings cool and dry air
• Dry season effects

  • Best time for swimming, flying kites, and biking
  • Drying of crops under the sun is usually done during this time
  • People wear loose and thin light-colored clothes as well as shorts to feel comfortable during hot days
  • Cold foods and beverages like halo-halo, ice cream, and fruit shakes are usually served during this season
• The change of seasons in the country is studied and monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA
• PAGASA is a government agency that monitors and informs the public about weather disturbances