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SCIENCE
QUARTER 4 – MODULE 3
Weather Disturbances

MELC: Characterize weather disturbance in the Philippines and

describe their effects to daily life.
 K to 12 BEC CG: S5FE-IVd-4, S5FE – IVe-5, S5FE –IVf-6

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PART I.

A. Introduction

There are different weather disturbances in our country which may pose danger to
humans, plants and animals. A typhoon is just one of the many weather disturbances
we experience that brings heavy rains, floods and landslides.
The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons a year. Being surrounded
by bodies of water makes us prone to experience some weather disturbances. The vast
and warm water of the ocean is capable of generating many weather disturbances.

B. Discussion
Can you tell what the weather is?

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a short period of time. The

different factors that affect the weather include air temperature, air pressure, humidity,
clouds, precipitation and wind speed and direction. When these factors change and
affect the condition of the atmosphere, weather disturbances may occur. Weather
disturbances refer to any disruption of the atmosphere stable condition. It can
manifest through the formation of a low pressure area or different prevailing winds
like monsoons and the Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ.
Low Pressure Area (LPA) and High Pressure Area (HPA)
An abrupt change in air pressure can trigger weather disturbances. The rising of
warm air and sinking of cold air explains how a high pressure area and a low pressure
area are formed.
When cold air sinks, it results to a high pressure area. Since most of the air is
pressing down, the air on the surface becomes dry. Formation of a high pressure area
indicates fair weather, fewer clouds are found on the sky. But when warm air rises,
less air presses downward, resulting in the formation of a low pressure area. As the
air continuously rises, it will eventually cool, condense and form clouds. The
formation of a low pressure area indicates the possibility of rain. There is a higher
chance of rain when more clouds are formed. An LPA can result to weather
disturbance, rains and strong winds are brought about by low pressure.
The Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) keeps track of cyclones that enter the Philippines Area
of Responsibility (PAR).

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 Tropical cyclones that occur within the Philippine Area of Responsibility develop
in two areas. These areas are in the Pacific Ocean and in the West Philippine Sea. A
cyclone that develops from the Pacific Ocean generally moves in a west to northwest
direction. A cyclone that originates from the West Philippine Sea moves in an east to
northwest direction.
A cyclone intensifies when it is located over warm tropical waters. It weakens as
it moves in land. The intensity of tropical cyclone varies. Thus, we can classify them
according to their degree of intensity.
1. Tropical Disturbance
It is an isolated weather system with an apparent circulation. It is characterized by
a poorly developed wind circulation. This is commonly observed throughout the wet
tropics and subtropics.
2. Tropical Depression
It is a weak low pressure disturbance with a definite surface circulation. It is most
common in the equatorial region or the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). The
ITCZ is the belt of low pressure which circle the Earth generally near the equator.
3. Tropical Storm
Once a tropical depression has intensified, it becomes a tropical storm. A tropical
storm is a moderate tropical cyclone. It is more organized and more circular shape.
The rotation of a tropical storm is more recognizable than that of a tropical
depression.
4. Typhoon
It is an intense tropical cyclone accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds.

Source:https://www.google.com/search?q=cnn+philippines+storm+signal&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiKsJ3hwfXtAhUJ6JQKHTHODkQQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=cnn+philippines+storm+signal&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CrEViRHWDAI2gAcAB4AIAB5wGIAegIkgEFMC4zLjOYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABA
Q&sclient=img&ei=rljsX4qhCYnQ0wSxnLugBA&bih=597&biw=1242&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH815PH815#imgrc=MTGJ3qSzOgknVM

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 Conditions of the Environment Before, During and After a Typhoon

Before a Typhoon
Before a typhoon occurs, high clouds are observed in the sky. The air is dry and
cold since most of the warm air has already risen. The relative humidity is high. The
wind blows gently and scattered rain showers may occur.
During a Typhoon
During a typhoon, the sky is dark and cloudy. Heavy rainfall accompanied by
strong winds occurs. Big waves are also observed near the coast. When these waves
become unusually high due to abnormally high ocean tides, a storm surge occurs.

Flash floods may also occur due to heavy rainfall, landslides may be triggered by
flash floods and heavy rains. Some trees and crops may be uprooted because of strong
winds.

Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS)

In order to determine the strength of a typhoon, PAGASA issues Public Storm
Warning Signals. In 2015, PAGASA adopted the Storm Signal No. 5 from the NRCP
– funded project “Comprehensive Risk Assessment of the Physical, Social and
Economic Impacts of Tropical Cyclone” of Dr. Leoncio A. Amadore, NRCP Division
XII regular member.

Source:https://www.google.com/search?q=cnn+philippines+storm+signal&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiKsJ3hwfXtAhUJ6JQKHTHODkQQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=cnn+philippines+storm+signal&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CrEViRHWDAI2gAcAB4AIAB5wGIAegIkgEFMC4zLjOYAQCgAQGq
AQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=rljsX4qhCYnQ0wSxnLugBA&bih=597&biw=1242&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH815PH815#imgrc=MTGJ
3qSzOgknVM

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After a Tropical Cyclone
After a typhoon, the sun becomes visible and the sky becomes clearer. There
might be scattered rain showers. Some areas may still be flooded and recovering from
the typhoon. If a certain place is severely devastated many residents are staying in
evacuation areas. Rescue and relief operations are also on – going. There might be an
outbreak of water – borne diseases, influenza and dengue.

What to Do Before, During and After a Typhoon

Weather disturbances are devastating. It can cause damage to our life properties.
Heavy winds can destroy power and communication lines. Roads and bridges are also
damaged due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Weather disturbances can also destroy
our means of livelihood. Heavy rains and strong winds can uproot trees and destroy
our crops that provide us with food. This is why there is always a food shortage when
there is a typhoon.
Here are some of the precautionary measures that one should observe before,
during and after a typhoon.

Before a Typhoon
1. Check the roof of your house for any leaks. Check the windows and make
repairs if they are broken.
2. Make sure that the posts and roofs of your house are sturdy enough to
withstand strong winds.
3. Keep enough supply of water, rice, canned goods and medicines but do not
engage in the practice of panic buying.
4. Prepare an emergency kit. It should include a flashlight, medicines, ready – to
– eat packed food or canned goods, and some clothes. Bring this emergency
kit when you evacuate to a safer place.
5. Secure all important documents in waterproof bag. This is to make sure that
the documents will not get wet when your place becomes flooded.
6. Keep a battery – powered radio to keep yourself updated on the latest news
about the typhoon.
During a Typhoon
1. Stay indoors. Cancel or postpone any travel plan.
2. If you live in a low – lying area, be alert about your local official’s advisory
regarding evacuation.
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 3. Stay away from places that may have experienced short circuit.
4. If you are in an evacuation center, be updated on the latest news advisory.
5. Boil your drinking water. Floods may have contaminated the tap water.
6. Check if your family members or relatives who are staying in the affected
areas are in need of help or rescue.

After a Typhoon
1. Ask an electrician to check the electrical wirings or appliances that were
soaked in flood water.
2. Check the damaged parts of your house and have them repaired. Replace them
if necessary.
3. Boil your drinking water. Even after the flood, water may not be that safe to
drink.
4. Ensure the safety of your family members and relatives who were affected by
the floods.
5. Help the victims of calamities by giving donations or being a volunteer in
relief operations.

C. Readings

During June – October, we frequently experience more rains brought by the

habagat. Habagat or Southwest Monsoon is a warm and humid air that blows the
southwest direction. The prevailing wind from the northeast is called Northeast
Monsoon or Amihan. This wind brings cold air during the “-ber months” and rain
over the east coast of our country.
Previous research has suggested that the increase in the number of intense tropical
cyclone could be due to rising sea – surface temperature since the 1970’s as a result of
climate change (Bowen, 2016). According to the United Nations University (UNV)
World Risk Report 2014, the Philippines belongs to the most at risk nations to danger
such as tropical cyclones and monsoon rains.
We cannot change the path of the typhoon or stop it from coming. But we can
always prepare for it. PAGASA with its modern technology can assess and monitor
any upcoming typhoon. The instruments used to measure or determine weather
elements are the following:

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 Weather Element Instrument
Thermometer
Air Temperature

Air Pressure

Barometer
Hygrometer
Humidity

Wind Vane
Wind Direction

Anemometer
Wind Speed

Rain Gauge
Amount of Rainfall

Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is an important step to prepare and protect your household for
unforeseen events. It’s purpose is to ensure the safety and survival of the person or
persons using it.
The following items must be included in the emergency kit:

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/prepare/disaster-supply-kit
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PART II. ACTIVITY PROPER

Activity 1

Directions: Identify what is being described. Fill each blank with the correct
answer. Choose in the box below.

Severe Tropical Storm Tropical Storm

Super Typhoon Typhoon
Tropical Depression
______1. It is a weak low pressure disturbance with a definite surface circulation.
______2. An extremely powerful typhoon with sustained winds exceeding 220 kph.
______3. A moderate tropical cyclone that is more organized and more circular shape.
______4. A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds of up to 89 to
117 kph.
______5. It is an intense tropical accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds with
maximum wind speed of 118 to 220 kph.

Activity 2

Directions: Identify the following precautionary measures when they should be

observed. Write before, during and after on the space provided.

______1. Prepare an emergency kit.

______2. Stay indoors. Cancel or postpone any travel plan.
______3. Check the damaged parts of your house and have them repaired.
______4. Keep enough supply of water, rice, canned goods and medicines.
______5. Keep a battery – powered radio to keep yourself updated on the latest news
about the typhoon.

Activity 3

Directions: Give the correct public storm warning signal as described below. Write
PSWS 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 on the space provided.
______1. Only pre-school classes are suspended.
______2. Winds of 121 to 170 kph in the next 18 hours.
______3. Pre-school to high school is automatically suspended.
______4. The blowing of the wind is very heavy to widespread damage.
______5. Winds moving at a speed of 11-220 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours.

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PART II. KEY ANSWER

Activity 1
1. Tropical Depression
2. Super Typhoon
3. Tropical Storm
4. Severe Tropical Storm
5. Typhoon

Activity 2
1. Before
2. During
3. After
4. Before
5. Before

Activity 3
1. PSWS 1
2. PSWS 3
3. PSWS 2
4. PSWS 5
5. PSWS 4

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PART III. SUMMATIVE EVALUATION

A. Easy
Directions: Read carefully each statement or question and choose the best
answer in the box below.
High Pressure Area Pacific Ocean Weather
Kilometer per hour PAGASA Weather Disturbance
Low Pressure Area Southwest Monsoon or Habagat
Northeast Monsoon or Amihan Tropical Disturbance

______1. This wind brings cold air during “-ber months”.

______2. It is formed when more warm air rises and it cools.
______3. It is formed when cold air sinks and less warm air rises.
______4. It is the condition of the atmosphere at a short period of time.
______5. It refers to any disruption of the atmosphere’s stable condition.
______6. A warm and humid air that blows from the southwest direction.
______7. The wind speed of a tropical cyclone is expressed in ________.
______8. This is commonly observed throughout the wet tropics and subtropics.
______9. The biggest contribution of the weather disturbance in our country which lies
on the eastern side of our country.
______10. The agency responsible for assessing and forecasting weather, flood and other
conditions essential to the safety and welfare of the people.

B. Moderate
Directions: Rearrange the scrambled letters to form a word that is being defined.
Write your answer on the space provided.

____________ 1. An instrument used to measure air pressure. METEORBAR

____________ 2. An instrument for measuring the speed of the wind.
MEMOTEAREN
____________ 3. A device for collecting and measuring the amount of rain which
falls. NAIR GEUAG
____________ 4. An instrument used for showing the direction of the wind.
DWIN NAEV
____________ 5. An instrument for measuring and indicating temperature.
MEMORETHTER

C. Difficult
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 Directions:
1. Make a concept map about the effects of typhoon. (5 points)

Effect of a
Typhoon

2. List down five (5) ways of conserving our environment to help minimize the
destructive effect of cyclone.

Rubric for checking Summative Evaluation (C. Difficult)

Very Good Good Fair Poor
(5) (4) (3) (2)
The learner gives 5 The learner gives 4 The learner gives 3 The learner gives 2
correct answers. correct answers. correct answers. and below correct
answer(s).

References:
A. Books
Sarte, Evelyn T., et. Al, Science Beyond Borders Textbook, Vibal Group Inc., 2016
Sarte, Evelyn T., et. Al, Science Beyond Borders Teacher’s Manual, Vibal Group
Inc., 2016
B. Online and Other Sources

https://www.google.com/search?
q=cnn+philippines+storm+signal&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiKsJ3hwfXtAhUJ6JQK
HTHODkQQ2-

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 cCegQIABAA&oq=cnn+philippines+storm+signal&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CrEViR
HWDAI2gAcAB4AIAB5wGIAegIkgEFMC4zLjOYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWl
tZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=rljsX4qhCYnQ0wSxnLugBA&bih=597&biw=1242&rlz
=1C1CHBF_enPH815PH815#imgrc=MTGJ3qSzOgknVM

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/45317539980719658/
https://www.wunderground.com/prepare/disaster-supply-kit

PART III. KEY ANSWER

A. 1. Amihan or Northeast Monsoon
2. LPA or Low Pressure Area

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 3. HPA or High Pressure Area
4. Weather
5. Weather Disturbance
6. Habagat or Southwest Monsoon
7. Kilometer Per Hour
8. Tropical Disturbance
9. Pacific Ocean
10. PAGASA

B. 1. Barometer
2. Anemometer
3. Rain Gauge
4. Wind Vane
5. Thermometer

C. 1. Answer may vary

Possible answers: loss of lives, destroyed houses, destroyed crops, flash floods,
power outages, uprooted trees

2. Answer may vary

Possible answers: 1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
2. Plant more trees and plants
3. Reforestation
4. Stop littering
5. Saving natural resources

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