The southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to bring overcast skies and scattered rainshowers across broad areas of Luzon on Wednesday, even as generally pleasant conditions prevail over the Visayas and Mindanao.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that former tropical storm Obet, though operating outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), maintains its strengthening effect on the monsoon.
PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez confirmed that no low-pressure areas or active tropical cyclones are currently tracked within the country’s monitoring domain.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated over Zambales, while Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley, major portions of Central Luzon, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, and Occidental Mindoro will experience overcast skies accompanied by monsoon rains and scattered thunderstorms.
Similar cloudy conditions with precipitation are expected over Palawan and Antique.
Conversely, the southern sections of Mimaropa and the Bicol Region are slated to enjoy generally fair weather, with isolated localized thunderstorms likely forming during the afternoon or evening. Warm, humid conditions alongside occasional localized thunderstorms—particularly around midday and early afternoon—will characterize the weather across the rest of the Visayas and the entirety of Mindanao.
PAGASA cautioned residents in high-risk zones, particularly Zambales, against potential hazards including flash floods and landslides, advising close coordination with local authorities.
Widespread rain is projected to expand on Thursday, August 27, covering the entire Luzon island group, with western sectors—including La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro—facing heightened rainfall risks.
By Friday, August 28, precipitation levels are expected to intensify further, with Zambales and Occidental Mindoro projected to surpass 100 millimeters of rainfall, and Metro Manila anticipating between 50 and 100 millimeters. This escalation raises concerns for severe flooding and landslides across Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.
No gale warnings are currently raised over any of the nation’s seaboards.