The southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, will persist in bringing rainy weather to major portions of Luzon, the state weather bureau reported Saturday.
In its early morning 4 a.m. public weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) highlighted that monsoon rains will directly affect Occidental Mindoro, warning residents to prepare for intense downpours that could trigger flash floods or landslides.
Monsoon Impact and Area Outlook
Occasional rainfall caused by the habagat will also blanket several regions across Western and Central Luzon, as well as parts of Southern Tagalog. Moderate to heavy rains pose similar risks of flooding and landslips in the following areas:
- National Capital Region: Metro Manila
- Central Luzon: Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan
- Calabarzon: Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas
- Mimaropa & Visayas: Oriental Mindoro, Antique
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected across the Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, the rest of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas, alongside Abra, Benguet, and Northern Samar.
PAGASA advised localized communities in these areas to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours.
The remainder of Luzon and the Visayas will experience isolated rain showers and thunderstorms fueled by the monsoon, while localized thunderstorms will prevail over Mindanao.
Cyclonic Activity Outside PAR
Outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), forecasters are tracking an active tropical depression. As of 3 a.m., the weather system was spotted 1,685 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, generating maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h as it moved northward at 35 km/h.
Light to moderate wind conditions alongside slight to moderate sea waves are projected to prevail throughout the archipelago.