Cheyenne Suarez

PAGASA: Pasay ‘sandstorm’ was thunderstorm-driven gust front

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

<div> </div>MANILA — What appeared to be a sandstorm in Pasay City on Wednesday was loose sand and dust swept up by powerful winds associated with a developing thunderstorm, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.PAGASA weather specialist Dr. John Manalo said the phenomenon was triggered by strong winds ahead of a thunderstorm, known as a gust front or downburst, which can lift and transport loose particles from the ground.A gust front occurs during the early stages of a thunderstorm and can bring some of its strongest winds. When the ground or an exposed area is dry and there is an available source of loose sand or dust, these particles can be lifted and carried by the wind, creating what may look like a sandstorm.Manalo explained that a true sandstorm is more commonly associated with dry, desert environments where strong winds pick up large amounts of sand and dust, reducing visibility as the particles become suspended in the lower atmosphere.“Iyong sandstorm kasi ideally nangyayari ito sa mga disyerto na maraming sand and then dry iyong area, and then kapag nagkaroon ng pag-blow ng malakas na hangin, nata-transport itong mga sand and dust particles ito from one place to another, na nagko-cause nang mas mababang visibility, and at the same time, nagiging iyong mga alikabok ay nasa atmosphere natin, lower part ng ating atmosphere. And iyon, ang ideal na sandstorm,&quot; Manalo explained.For the Pasay incident, however, Manalo said the strong winds were associated with thunderstorm activity rather than the conditions typically responsible for a conventional sandstorm.“Iyong nangyayari sa atin sa Pasay ay triggered ng pagbugso ng hangin na dala ng mga thunderstorm activity. Kapag may mga thunderstorm talaga, ay posible iyong mga downburst na tinatawag natin o iyong pagbugso ng hangin prior doon sa papalapit na thunderstorm,&quot; he said.The loose particles can then be transported away from their source, depending on the direction and strength of the winds. Manalo said the phenomenon was temporary and could affect areas beyond Pasay.The weather specialist also said it was possible that some of the sand came from exposed or loose-sand sources in the area, including reclamation sites.&quot;May sources kasi ng sand. And in this case, most likely doon nanggaling iyong mga sand na tinatangay ng hangin and nata-transport from one area to another,&quot; Manalo said.The possibility of a similar incident remains as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to strengthen amid prevailing weather disturbances over Philippine waters.“Posible po ito, lalo na kapag iyong daytime o tanghaling tapat ay walang mga pag-ulan. And in that case, magiging dry ulit iyong area kung nasan iyong source ng mga dust na &#x27;to,&quot; he said.Aside from temporarily reducing visibility, the phenomenon may also pose a health concern, particularly because fine dust particles can be inhaled.Manalo warned that smaller particulate matter can penetrate the lungs and that people with existing respiratory conditions may be more vulnerable to its effects.PAGASA advised people who find themselves in areas affected by airborne dust and sand to take precautions, including covering their noses to reduce exposure.

What appeared to be a sandstorm in Pasay City on Wednesday was loose sand and dust swept up by powerful winds associated with a developing thunderstorm, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

What appeared to be a sandstorm in Pasay City on Wednesday was loose sand and dust swept up by powerful winds associated with a developing thunderstorm, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.