PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA)-- The rain and shifting of winds will carry away the suspended particles of haze in Palawan coming from forest and peat fires in Indonesia, said the state weather bureau.

Local Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather observer Allain Joy Lusoc explained that the rains experienced in Palawan on Tuesday night were due to an equatorial trough and the extension of LPA in Eastern Samar.

The equatorial trough is explained by the American Meteorological Society as a low-pressure lying between the subtropical high-pressure belts of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

“Since may mga pag-ulan na tayo nitong mga nakaraang araw lalo na kahapon, eventually ang suspended particles na remnants nitong haze natin ay wala na sa atmosphere kasi nadala na o natabunan na ng mga pag-ulan,” Lusoc said.

Last week’s prevailing wind was the southwest monsoon, which traversed Indonesia before moving to the Philippines. The path of the southwest monsoon is elevated, and haze has only reached the northern portion of Palawan, with a light presence in Puerto Princesa City.

Haze is composed of particles of fine dust suspended in the air that produce limited visibility.

The presence of haze started in Kalayaan and Northern Palawan, followed by Puerto Princesa City from Friday to Sunday. It was observed particularly in the towns of El Nido, Busuanga, and Coron.

Due to the absence of a station to conduct direct monitoring, PAGASA has no record of whether southern Palawan has also experienced the presence of haze.

"Eventually, kapag may pag-ulan, nawawala ang haze. Ang hangin natin ay hindi na majority southwest monsoon, characteristic nya para magdala ng haze o matransport yong hangin ng haze sa Palawan ay medyo less—Dahil meron na tayong pag-ulan, eventually ay hindi natin makikita or wala na yong presensya ng haze sa lalawigan ng Palawan,” Lusoc explained.

The current wind system has a component of northeast and southwest as it is strengthened by Typhoon Bolaven outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The LPA in Eastern Samar is causing a convergence of winds in the province of Palawan.

The troughs will bring cloudy skies to Palawan, and the convergence of winds at the southern tip of Palawan will cause rains in the towns of Balabac and Bataraza. Chances of rain are also possible in the towns of Northern Palawan, including the Calamian Group of Islands and Cuyo, with a significant amount of rainfall. PAGASA recorded 50 millimeters of rain in just one hour and a half in the city of Puerto Princesa City on Tuesday night.

The weather system is now in the transition period, where high pressure is anticipated in China and Mongolia. Once it is established, the southern hemisphere will experience low pressure, and winds will shift to the northeast monsoon.

“Mula northern hemisphere hanggang southern hemisphere na ang hangin natin. Kapag nangyari yon, ang grassfire nandito sa Indonesia, ang takbo niya ay southern hemisphere. Hindi na siya aakyat patungong northern hemisphere, which is nasa taas tayo, northeastern part ng Indonesia, kaya ang hangin ay papunta na sa kanila,” he said.

The shifting of the wind will result in zero chance of haze presence in Palawan from fires in Indonesia, said Lusoc. However, reports cited that Indonesia has refuted any responsibility for the haze after Malaysia sent a letter complaining about the air quality and asking for a collaborative effort to deal with the fires.

On the other hand, the Department of Health (DOH) urged Palawan locals to exercise caution about the negative impacts of haze on human health. Eye irritation, allergic nasal itching, sore throats, chest tightness, worsening of diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pregnancy complications are among the symptoms.

The public is advised to take precautions such as wearing face masks outside, staying inside as much as possible, keeping doors and windows closed, using air purifiers to improve indoor air quality, continuing to take prescribed medications for pre-existing health conditions as the haze can worsen them, drinking enough water and eating nutritious meals, avoiding practices that can contribute to air pollution, and exercising caution while driving due to reduced visibility caused by the haze.

“Kumonsulta agad sa pinakamalapit na Health Center sa inyong lugar kung makaranas ng pag-ubo, hirap sa paghinga, pananakit ng dibdib, pagluluha ng mata o iritasyon sa ilong o lalamunan.” (RG/PIA Mimaropa-Palawan)

*Banner photo courtesy of Romielyn Bonifacio, Local Government Unit of San Vicente