The southwest monsoon, or habagat, will continue to affect a large part of Luzon and the western section of the Visayas over the next five days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, Aug. 17.
In its 5:00 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said the prevailing weather system will continue to bring cloudy skies and rains.
"Ang habagat ay patuloy pa ring makakaapekto sa Luzon, at sa Western section ng Visayas sa susunod na limang araw. Kaya magtatagal pa ang maulan na panahon dito sa Luzon at sa Western section ng Visayas," Aldczar Aurelio, PAGASA weather specialist said.
PAGASA said due to the southwest monsoon, heavy rains are expected in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan.
Meanwhile, cloudy skies with scattered rain showers, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected over Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Catanduanes, Antique, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Rizal, and Occidental Mindoro.
Meanwhile, PAGASA is monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), located about 1,040 kilometers east of Northern Luzon as of 3 p.m.
The LPA is expected to move westward and may pass near or across extreme Northern Luzon. PAGASA said it has a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.
Despite this, the weather agency said the LPA is not expected to directly affect the country’s weather but may continue to enhance or draw the southwest monsoon.
The LPA will be given the local name “Neneng” if it develops into a tropical cyclone while inside the PAR.
PAGASA reminded the public to remain alert and prepared for possible flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying areas and communities near rivers.
The agency also advised the public, especially those in Northern and western Luzon, to exercise caution when sailing as moderate to rough seas are expected due to the rainy weather.
