Bagyo

Bagyo is the Filipino term for tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific that affect the Philippines. In common usage it denotes typhoons and tropical storms entering or threatening the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The word is widely used by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the national meteorological agency.

PAGASA tracks and forecasts systems within PAR, issuing advisories that include projected track, intensity, rainfall, and potential hazards. When a system enters PAR, PAGASA assigns it a local name from its rotating list, and the system may later receive an international name assigned by regional meteorological centers. The term bagyo thus refers to any tropical cyclone, from tropical storms to strong typhoons, as it affects the country.

Owing to its location along the Pacific typhoon belt, the Philippines experiences frequent bagyo activity, particularly during the rainy season from June to December. Impacts include wind damage, heavy rain and flooding, storm surge, and disruption of transport and communications. Communities use early warnings, evacuation plans, and resilient infrastructure to mitigate effects.

Scientists study bagyo as part of meteorology and disaster risk reduction in the Philippines. Activity generally peaks from August to October. Climate change is expected to influence the intensity and rainfall of tropical cyclones in the region, underscoring the need for improved prediction, preparedness, and adaptation measures.