The southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to affect Luzon on Wednesday, bringing cloudy skies and scattered rains, while generally fair weather is expected across the Visayas and Mindanao, according to the state weather bureau.
In its 5 a.m. weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said former tropical storm Obet, which has already moved outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon.
PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said no tropical cyclone or low-pressure area is currently being monitored within the agency’s monitoring domain.
Zambales is expected to experience occasional heavy rains, while Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley, much of Central Luzon, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, and Occidental Mindoro may see cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the habagat.
Palawan and Antique will also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains.
Meanwhile, the southern portions of Mimaropa and the Bicol Region will generally have fair weather, although localized thunderstorms may develop, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
The rest of the Visayas and the entire Mindanao will likewise have generally fair weather, although hot and humid conditions and possible localized thunderstorms are expected, especially from noon to the afternoon.
PAGASA warned of possible landslides and other hazards in areas that may receive significant rainfall, particularly in Zambales, and urged residents to remain alert and follow advisories from their local government units.
For Thursday, August 27, more areas are expected to experience significant rainfall. PAGASA said the entire Luzon may have cloudy skies with scattered rains, with the western sections—particularly La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro—likely to receive significant rainfall.
By Friday, August 28, rainfall is expected to increase further in several areas. PAGASA said Zambales and Occidental Mindoro could receive more than 100 millimeters of rain, while Metro Manila could record between 50 and 100 millimeters.
The weather bureau also warned that the increased rainfall could raise the risk of flooding and landslides in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.
PAGASA said there are currently no gale warnings in effect over the country’s coastal waters.
