FACT CHECK: No super typhoon expected in PH up until January 28

Claim: A Signal No. 4 super typhoon is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday, January 28.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The claim was made in the title and thumbnail of a video posted on January 25 by Balitang Pinas, a verified YouTube channel with 624,000 subscribers. As of writing, the video has 17,000 views and 541 likes.

The video’s thumbnail also claims that the incoming tropical cyclone would be the first super typhoon entering the PAR in 2024.

The facts: According to the latest public weather forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday, January 27, no tropical cyclone is currently being monitored within and outside the PAR.

In its 5 pm weather update, PAGASA said the northeast monsoon affects the country.

PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja earlier said that no tropical cyclones are expected to enter the PAR and that there was a “low chance” for one to develop until the end of January.

The first tropical cyclone to enter the PAR this year is set to be named Aghon, according to PAGASA’s list of tropical cyclone names for 2024.

Outdated audio: The misleading video used audio from the 4 am public weather forecast streamed live on Thursday, January 25, on the PAGASA YouTube channel and Facebook page. The report, however, did not mention that a super typhoon would be entering the PAR this weekend. 

Previous fact-checks: Although the YouTube channel that uploaded the deceptive video has a verified badge, this only indicates that it is the “official channel of a creator, artist, company, or public figure.” Verifying the authenticity of a channel’s content is not listed among YouTube’s standards for a verified badge.

Several weather-related claims from the same YouTube channel have been repeatedly debunked by Rappler:

• FACT CHECK: No super typhoon expected in PH up until December 21
• FACT CHECK: No super typhoon Liwayway in PH area of responsibility up until December 19
• FACT CHECK: No super typhoon in PH up until October 24
• FACT CHECK: Signal No. 2 is the highest wind signal for Typhoon Jenny as of 5 pm, October 3
  

Official news: For official weather updates, visit PAGASA’s official website, Twitter page, and YouTube channel. Get updates too via Rappler’s Philippine weather page.  – Chinie Ann Jocel R. Mendoza/Rappler.com

Chinie Ann Jocel R. Mendoza is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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