A typhoon is categorically defined by pagasa if the wind speed reaches

a typhoon is categorically defined by pagasa if the wind speed reaches

A typhoon is categorically defined by PAGASA if the wind speed reaches

Answer:
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) implements specific criteria for categorizing weather disturbances such as typhoons. According to PAGASA’s classification, a storm is defined as a typhoon if it reaches a certain wind speed. Here is an overview:

Wind Speed Classifications by PAGASA:

  1. Tropical Depression:

    • Wind Speed: Up to 61 km/h (up to 33 knots)
  2. Tropical Storm:

    • Wind Speed: 62 to 88 km/h (34 to 47 knots)
  3. Severe Tropical Storm:

    • Wind Speed: 89 to 117 km/h (48 to 63 knots)
  4. Typhoon:

    • Wind Speed: 118 to 220 km/h (64 to 119 knots)
  5. Super Typhoon:

    • Wind Speed: Exceeding 220 km/h (more than 119 knots)

Solution By Steps:

  1. Identification of Typhoon Wind Speed Threshold:

    • For a tropical cyclone to be categorized as a typhoon by PAGASA, the sustained wind speeds must exceed 117 km/h.
  2. Practical Example:

    • Consider a weather disturbance that has reached sustained winds of 150 km/h. According to PAGASA’s classification:
      • This would be categorized as a typhoon because the wind speed falls within the range of 118 to 220 km/h.

Thus, PAGASA categorizes a weather disturbance as a typhoon if the sustained wind speed reaches 118 km/h or higher. A weather disturbance with wind speeds above 220 km/h is further classified as a Super Typhoon.

Final Answer:
PAGASA categorically defines a typhoon if the wind speed reaches or exceeds 118 km/h.