The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to affect parts of Mindanao, bringing rains over several areas in the western and southern portions of the island, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday, May 19.
As of 5 AM, PAGASA weather forecaster Veronica C. Torres said no low pressure area or tropical cyclone is currently being monitored inside or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
However, the ITCZ is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), SOCCSKSARGEN, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.
PAGASA warned residents in these areas to remain alert for possible flooding and landslides, especially in localities that have already been experiencing continuous rainfall over the past few days.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon are expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon until evening. PAGASA said this weather pattern may persist over the next three to five days.
Similar weather conditions are also expected across the Visayas and the rest of Mindanao, although weather conditions may improve from Wednesday to Friday before the ITCZ is projected to affect large parts of Mindanao again by Saturday.
Aside from rains, PAGASA also reported dangerous heat index levels in several parts of the country. On Monday, Sangley Point in Cavite recorded the highest heat index at 45 degrees Celsius, while Virac, Catanduanes; Masbate City; Roxas City in Capiz; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Catarman, Northern Samar registered 44 degrees Celsius.
For Tuesday, PAGASA forecast the heat index in Sangley Point, Cavite to again reach 45 degrees Celsius, while San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Roxas City, Capiz; and Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte may experience heat index levels of up to 44 degrees Celsius.
Despite the prevailing weather systems, PAGASA said no gale warning has been raised over any of the country’s seaboards.
The agency added that sunrise in Metro Manila was at 5:28 a.m., while sunset is expected at 6:18 p.m.
