The southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to bring cloudy skies and occasional heavy rains over parts of Luzon and the Visayas on Friday, September 4, the state weather bureau said.
In its 5 a.m. weather forecast, weather specialist Obet Badrina said western sections of Central and Southern Luzon are expected to bear the brunt of the monsoon rains, particularly the Calabarzon region, parts of Mimaropa, Central Luzon, Bataan, Zambales, and Metro Manila.
Other parts of Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain showers, while the Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao will generally have warmer weather, with localized rain showers and thunderstorms still possible.
There is currently no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
However, PAGASA is monitoring two weather systems outside the PAR.
Typhoon Saudel, locally known as Obet when it entered the PAR, is now over mainland China, while a newly formed tropical depression is being monitored about 1,770 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.
The tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, with gustiness of up to 55 kph. It is moving northwestward at 20 kph.
PAGASA said there is currently a low possibility that the tropical depression will enter the PAR. Forecast data indicate that it could weaken into a low-pressure area and eventually become part of the circulation of Typhoon Pilandok as the system moves toward southern Japan.
The weather bureau, however, said it would continue monitoring the tropical depression as its development and movement could still change.
Heavy rainfall warnings
As of 5 a.m. Friday, PAGASA had raised an orange heavy rainfall warning over Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and parts of Bulacan.
A yellow heavy rainfall warning was also in effect over Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, parts of Batangas and Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and other areas of Bulacan.
PAGASA warned that these areas could continue to experience moderate to heavy rains, which may trigger flooding and landslides.
The weather bureau also issued a rainfall advisory, forecasting 50 to 100 millimeters of rain over Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.
Residents in affected areas were urged to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas that have already experienced prolonged rainfall.
For Friday, heavy rains are expected over Bataan and Zambales, while other parts of Central and Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, may experience occasional heavy rainfall.
The Bicol Region may see localized rain showers and thunderstorms from afternoon through evening.
In Palawan, cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
Western Visayas and parts of the Negros Island Region may also experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Central and Eastern Visayas will generally have fairer weather, although isolated rain showers and thunderstorms remain possible.
Mindanao is expected to experience generally fair weather, although isolated rain showers and thunderstorms may still develop.
Temperatures in Mindanao are expected to remain relatively warm, reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius in Zamboanga, 33°C in Cagayan de Oro, and 33°C in Davao.
PAGASA said the habagat will continue to affect the country through Saturday, with rains expected over large parts of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, the Mindoro provinces, Antique, and Metro Manila.
By Sunday, rainfall is expected to ease in some areas, although occasional heavy rains may persist over Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental and Oriental Mindoro.
PAGASA warned that heavy rains in these areas could still trigger flash floods and landslides.
The state weather bureau also reminded the public that the southwest monsoon season typically lasts until the first or second week of October, meaning habagat-related rains may continue throughout September, particularly over western Luzon.
No gale warning issued
PAGASA said no gale warning is currently in effect over any part of the country, allowing sea travel and small boat operations to proceed.
However, authorities reminded mariners, particularly those using small boats, to exercise caution and monitor weather conditions as sea conditions could become dangerous during periods of strong winds and waves.
