Lesson 1 - Climate in the Philippines

Explain the influence of the location of the Philippines to its climate and weather

Identify the factors that affect the climate of the country

The learners are able to;

1.  Differentiate climate and weather

2. Describe the climate of the Philippines

Climate is the term used for the average atmospheric conditions over a longer period of time, whereas weather refers to the day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity. Climate in the Philippines is typically hot and humid all year round because of the breeze from the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea.

There are two distinct seasons in the Philippines. The country experiences dry season during December to May and wet season from June to November. The hot dry season is from March to May. The temperature can get as high as 32°–35°C. Filipinos tend to go to Baguio or Tagaytay when the temperature is high because of their cool weather. The coldest month is January. The temperature during this month reaches as low as 15°C, particularly on highlands.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT CLIMATE

1. Altitude – The higher the place is above sea level, the colder it will be. This happens because as altitude increases, air becomes thinner and is less able to absorb and retain heat.

2. Wind Movement – There are different types of winds that affect climate. Northeast monsoon or hanging amihan is the cold wind from China and Siberia that is experienced from November to February. Meanwhile, southwest monsoon or hanging habagat that is experienced from May to October usually brings heavy rains to the country.

3. Distance from big bodies of water – Coastal areas are cooler than inland areas. Water heats up and cools down slower which gives a moderating effect. On colder days, the water heats up the land; whereas on hotter days, the land is cooled down by the water. These areas also experience more precipitation.

4. Rainfall – A place becomes cooler because of frequent and heavy rains. The eastern part of the Philippines (Eastern Visayas e.g Samar, Baybay, Leyte, Eastern Samar) receives more rainfall because of the Pacific Ocean which is the usual source of typhoons.

5. Latitude or Location – Places near the equator that receive direct heat from the sun usually experience hot temperature. The farther the place is from the equator, the colder its temperature.

The Climate of the Philippines - YouTube 

Science - Knowing the climates of the Philippines

The pupils can determine the weather in a day to day basis.

Directions: Read each question carefully and box the letter of the correct answer.

Question 1: What type of climate is common in the Philippines?

a) Desert climate

b) Polar climate

c) Tropical climate

d) Temperate climate

Question 2: Which of the following is a characteristic of the Philippine climate?

a) Heavy snowfall in winter

b) Consistent temperature throughout the year

c) Monsoon rains and typhoons

d) Low humidity and dry conditions

Question 3: The Philippines is often affected by typhoons. What season is typhoon season in the Philippines?

a) Summer

b) Winter

c) Spring

d) Rainy season

Question 4: What is the temperature range in the Philippines during the dry season?

a) Extremely hot

b) Mild and cool

c) Cold and freezing

d) Warm to hot

Question 5: The Philippines experiences two main seasons. What are they?

a) Winter and summer

b) Dry season and wet season

c) Spring and autumn

d) Monsoon and hurricane seasons

Question 6: During the rainy season in the Philippines, what weather conditions can be expected?

a) Clear skies and no rainfall

b) Occasional light showers

c) Heavy rains and thunderstorms

d) Snowfall and freezing temperatures

Question 7: Which body of water surrounds the Philippines and influences its climate?

a) Atlantic Ocean

b) Indian Ocean

c) Pacific Ocean

d) Arctic Ocean

Question 8: The Philippines is located near the equator. How does this affect its climate?

a) It leads to extreme cold temperatures.

b) It causes a lack of rainfall.

c) It results in consistent warm temperatures throughout the year.

d) It leads to frequent snowfall.

Question 9: What is the main reason for the Philippines experiencing a tropical climate?

a) Its proximity to the equator

b) Its location in the southern hemisphere

c) Its high elevation

d) Its distance from the oceans

Question 10: What is the importance of understanding the climate in the Philippines?

a) It helps in predicting earthquakes.

b) It aids in agricultural planning and crop selection.

c) It determines the availability of oil resources.

d) It influences the development of deserts.