The southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to influence weather conditions across parts of Luzon and the Visayas on Friday, September 4, bringing cloudy skies and periods of moderate to heavy rainfall, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said in the agency’s 5 a.m. forecast that western areas of Central and Southern Luzon are likely to receive the heaviest monsoon rains.
Among the areas expected to be affected are the Calabarzon region, portions of Mimaropa and Central Luzon, as well as Bataan, Zambales, and Metro Manila.
Other areas of Luzon may see partly cloudy to cloudy conditions accompanied by scattered rain showers. The Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao are expected to have generally warmer conditions, although localized showers and thunderstorms may still occur.
No cyclone inside PAR
PAGASA said there is currently no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The weather bureau is, however, keeping watch on two systems outside the PAR.
Typhoon Saudel, which was given the local name Obet after entering the PAR, is currently over mainland China. Meanwhile, a newly developed tropical depression was being monitored around 1,770 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.
The tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near its center and gustiness of up to 55 kph. It is moving northwestward at 20 kph.
PAGASA said the system has a low likelihood of entering the PAR. Current projections indicate that it could weaken into a low-pressure area before eventually becoming part of the circulation of Typhoon Pilandok as it heads toward southern Japan.
Despite the current forecast, PAGASA said it will continue monitoring the system because changes in its strength and movement remain possible.
Heavy rain alerts raised
As of 5 a.m. Friday, an orange heavy rainfall warning was in effect over Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and portions of Bulacan.
A yellow warning covered Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, parts of Batangas and Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and other portions of Bulacan.
PAGASA warned that moderate to heavy rainfall could persist in these areas, potentially resulting in flooding and landslides.
The agency also issued a rainfall advisory forecasting accumulated rainfall of between 50 and 100 millimeters in Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.
Residents in areas affected by prolonged rainfall were advised to remain vigilant for possible flash floods and landslides.
For Friday, Bataan and Zambales are expected to experience heavy rains, while other parts of Central and Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, may see intermittent periods of intense rainfall.
The Bicol Region could experience localized rain showers and thunderstorms from the afternoon into the evening.
Palawan is also expected to have cloudy conditions with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon and evening.
Western Visayas and portions of the Negros Island Region may likewise experience cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Central and Eastern Visayas are expected to have generally fair weather, although isolated thunderstorms and rain showers remain possible.
Mindanao will generally have fair conditions, with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms still possible.
Temperatures in parts of Mindanao could reach 34°C in Zamboanga and 33°C in both Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
Habagat to persist through weekend
PAGASA said the southwest monsoon is expected to continue affecting the country through Saturday, bringing rains to broad areas of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, the Mindoro provinces, Antique, and Metro Manila.
Rainfall may decrease in some areas by Sunday, although occasional heavy rains could remain possible in Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental and Oriental Mindoro.
PAGASA reiterated that intense rainfall could still cause flash floods and landslides, particularly in vulnerable and already saturated areas.
The weather bureau also reminded the public that the habagat season normally extends through the first or second week of October. This means monsoon-related rains may continue during September, particularly over western sections of Luzon.