The southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, is projected to bring persistent rainfall across expansive regions of Luzon and the western portion of Visayas over the next five days, state weather agency PAGASA announced on Monday, August 17.
In its 5:00 a.m. weather bulletin, the bureau indicated that the active weather system will maintain overcast conditions accompanied by continuous downpours.
“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,” said PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio.
Meteorologists warned that heavy rainfall will specifically impact Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan.
Concurrently, cloudy skies paired with scattered rain showers, electrical storms, and lightning are forecast 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.
Additionally, PAGASA is tracking a low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), positioned approximately 1,040 kilometers east of Northern Luzon as of 3:00 p.m.
The weather system is moving on a westward trajectory, potentially skirting or traversing near extreme Northern Luzon, with a moderate probability of intensifying into a tropical depression.
Although direct land impacts from the LPA are unlikely, forecasters noted that it could pull and intensify the southwest monsoon.
Should the system reach tropical cyclone strength while inside PAR, it will receive the local name “Neneng.”
PAGASA urges the public to stay vigilant against potential flash floods and landslides, especially in low-lying zones and communities along riverbanks.
Mariners in Northern and Western Luzon are likewise advised to exercise heightened caution due to anticipated moderate-to-rough sea conditions.