The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and easterlies are expected to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to parts of the country on Monday, October 19, as Typhoon Champi continues moving toward the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state weather bureau PAGASA said.
In its 4 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said the ITCZ is affecting Palawan and the western section of Mindanao, while easterlies are influencing the rest of the country.
Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected over the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan due to the ITCZ.
Similar weather conditions are forecast over Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro and the Bicol Region due to the easterlies.
PAGASA warned that moderate to, at times, heavy rains could trigger flash floods or landslides in affected areas.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon and the rest of the Visayas may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.
The rest of Mindanao is also expected to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms.
The public is advised to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
Champi moving toward PAR
Meanwhile, Typhoon Champi, which had earlier intensified into a super typhoon, remains outside the PAR and is expected to enter the country's monitoring area by Tuesday, October 20, according to PAGASA's latest available tropical cyclone updates.
In its 11 p.m. advisory on Sunday, PAGASA reported that Champi had weakened into a typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 215 kph.
The cyclone was last located 1,830 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon and was moving west-northwestward at 15 kph.
Once it enters PAR, the cyclone will be given the local name Rosal.
PAGASA warned that tropical cyclone wind signals could be raised over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon and parts of the Bicol Region as early as Monday evening or Tuesday morning. Under the current forecast scenario, the highest possible wind signal is Signal No. 3 or 4.
The weather bureau also cautioned that heavy rainfall and hazardous sea conditions could develop as the cyclone approaches the country.
Residents, particularly those in areas that may be affected by the approaching weather system, are advised to monitor official PAGASA bulletins and follow instructions from local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
