A frontal system continues to bring rains over extreme Northern Luzon on Sunday, May 17, while dangerous heat index levels persist in several parts of the country, according to PAGASA.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Veronica C. Torres said the frontal system, or stationary front, is affecting Batanes and Babuyan Islands, causing cloudy skies and scattered rains in the area.
The weather bureau explained that the frontal system is formed by the convergence of two air masses with equal strength, causing the weather system to remain stationary over the affected areas.
Residents in Batanes and Babuyan Islands were advised to remain alert for possible flooding and landslides due to continuous rainfall experienced in recent days.
Meanwhile, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is affecting Southern and Western Mindanao, bringing rains over Zamboanga Peninsula, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.
PAGASA also said the low pressure area being monitored in previous days — formerly Tropical Storm “Caloy” — has already dissipated. As of Sunday, no low pressure area or tropical cyclone is being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
For Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, generally fair weather is expected, although localized thunderstorms may still occur, especially in the afternoon or evening. Similar weather conditions are expected to persist over the next three to five days.
In Visayas and the rest of Mindanao, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of localized thunderstorms are also expected.
Despite the improving weather outlook in some areas, PAGASA warned that dangerous heat index levels remain possible across the country.
The weather bureau said heat index levels in Metro Manila may range from 41 to 44 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while the highest heat index could reach 46 degrees Celsius in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.
PAGASA added that the highest heat index recorded on Saturday was 48 degrees Celsius in Coron, Palawan.
No gale warning has been raised over any coastal waters in the country.
