Navotas landfill fire can affect local weather – PAGASA

The fire at Navotas sanitary landfill may have some effects on the local weather, PAGASA said Wednesday.

During the 195th Climate Forum, PAGASA Weather Specialist I Charmaine Varilla said that polluted air tends to have more moisture, which can create more clouds.

“Minsan, nagko-cause po 'yan ng pagbaba ng visibility or more foggy conditions or 'yung mga particulate po na nagko-cause ng coalescence or pagpo-form ng kaulapan. Nagko-cause din 'yan ng pag-ulan,” shared Varilla.

(Sometimes, it can cause lower visibility or more foggy conditions or particulates that can cause coalescence or formation of clouds. It can also cause rains.)

Fires such as the one in Navotas landfill often release mixed pollutants, particularly PM 2.5, which mixes with the outdoor air and decreases air quality.

READ: What is PM2.5 and why is it such a cause for health concern?

Varilla said that the rains would be able to wash away pollutants, but the current weather had weak winds and only one prevailing weather system.

“Sa nakaraang panahon o araw ay marami tayong source ng pollutants and medyo mahina pa 'yung hangin since ang prevailing weather system na lang natin ay easterlies and 'yung nakaraan pa ay mayroon tayong ridging ng high pressure areas. Naka-contribute po 'yan sa hindi masyadong nadidisperse 'yung pollutants sa hangin kaya may ibang areas po talagang nakaranas ng pagbaba ng haze, lalong-lalo na dito sa Metro Manila,” she shared.

(In the past days, we have had a lot of sources of pollutants and the wind is still weak since our only prevailing weather system is the easterlies, and we have had ridging high pressure areas previously. It contributes to the pollutants not being dispersed very well, which is why other areas really did experience haze, especially here in Metro Manila.)

PAGASA said that they will continue to monitor the “upper air” to determine if stronger winds may arrive in the coming days.

“Mas makakatulong po 'yan sa pagdisperse lalo [particulates] at di na maii-stuck ang particulates natin sa ground,” Varilla shared.

(It can help in further dispersing [particulates] and not to be stuck on the ground.)

Prolonged exposure to polluted air, particularly PM 2.5, can cause a significant risk of pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) had earlier advised residents in affected areas to wear face masks and limit outdoor activity to protect themselves from the environmental effects of the Navotas Landfill Fire. —AOL, GMA News