PAGASA is planning to install additional Doppler radars across the country to get better results and accurate data on the storms approaching our country.
Doppler radars allow weather forecasters to detect the presence of storms as well as to determine their exact distance, speed and directional movement. Indeed, better detailed information to support accurate weather forecasting for the Filipinos. Radio waves are sent and bounced back by the storm. The frequency of waves increases as a storm moves towards the radar.
Several Dopplers have already been installed and are currently used, yet PAGASA has lined up several installations of these radars in some areas like in Virac, Catandanuanes and Tagaytay City in Cavite. They are planning to deploy radars in Antique, Busuanga and Zamboanga.
The Doppler radars have an average of 480 kilometer coverage which is enough to produce images of weather disturbances. However, certain obstructions or “blind spots” like towering mountains can cause inaccurate weather measurement. They are considering factors in the proper selection for the installation of future radars.
Aside from a storm’s detailed information, these radars can accurately count the amount of rainfall because it can detect lower and middle clouds compared to their former apparatus which can only see the top clouds.
PAGASA’s automated weather stations in Aparri and in Eastern Samar will soon have their own Doppler radars. These stations were funded by the Japan International Coordinating Agency.
Engr. Edwin Mandreza, OIC Engineer, says that all in all there are 13 Doppler radars to be installed throughout the country. They expect more accurate measurements and weather predictions upon its completion.
