Round Two: Will Severe Tropical Storm Kristine Return To The PH?

PAGASA is predicting Severe Tropical Storm Kristine isn’t done with the Philippines. Here’s what we know

Although Severe Tropical Storm Kristine is currently on its way out, Typhoon Kong-rey (now earning the name Leon) may cause it to return for round two. With the Philippines already devastated for the first time by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the two may enter at the same time this coming Monday, October 28, 2024. While PAGASA shares that the possibility of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine boomeranging back to the Philippines is highly dependent on the low-pressure areas (LPA) east of Northern Mindanao, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t brace ourselves for a second round.

What makes a typhoon stay or return?

We always hope that typhoons or storms just pass over as natural disasters. While that’s the usual, some storms do return for the dreaded round two. As if it wasn’t happy with the damage it left behind. At times, we even wonder: why in the world would Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, or any typhoon in general, boomerang back?

Its return can be caused by a lot of things, with the usual being the humid and warm air, warm water, and the volatility of Philippine weather. As a tropical country, the Philippines has two seasons: El Niño (blazing heat) and La Niña (extreme rain) which speeds up the Rain Cycle. We know heat causes water to evaporate, it condenses into a cloud before it eventually precipitates. A “deficit” forms with air rushing in to fill up that space but heats too fast so the cycle starts again but at high speed!

Can families do anything about Severe Tropical Storm Kristine’s possible return?

In the short term, the only thing families can do is brace themselves for a possible round two. Gather all the resources the family needs and if people are willing to temporarily house families and split the costs, that should lessen the deaths. Stray animals should be taken in when they can.

However, Severe Tropical Storm Kristine is a call for a long-term change — global warming has gotten worse. Families shouldn’t have to go through loss and grief to realize that they need to be more sustainable in their practices. Simple acts such as walking instead of commuting or taking a car if it’s just a kilometer or two, reducing electricity consumption when they can — they may seem small but are quite worth it in the long run!

More about Severe Tropical Storm Kristine

Essentials Families Can Donate To Typhoon Kristine Victims
Reminders for Families as Tropical Storm Kristine Intensifies
LIST: Organizations To Donate For Those Affected By Tropical Storm Kristine