The southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, has started to lose its strength across several areas of Luzon and the Visayas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Sunday, July 12.
According to weather specialist Obet Badrina, the weakening of the monsoon follows the departure of Typhoon Inday, which exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday morning. The storm has tracked toward mainland China, where it is projected to dissipate.
While the monsoon is losing steam, intermittent rainfall is still anticipated on Sunday over the Ilocos Region, Bataan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique.
The rest of Luzon and the Visayas can look forward to overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, though rainfall volume is expected to lessen in the Cagayan Valley and Bicol Region. Meanwhile, localized thunderstorms will bring isolated rains to Mindanao.
Badrina pointed out that parts of the Ilocos Region may still endure heavy downpours on Monday, July 13, before weather conditions noticeably clear up. Due to recent prolonged rainfall, the state weather bureau cautioned residents in vulnerable communities to stay alert for potential flash floods and landslides.
PAGASA is also monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) located more than 2,000 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. Badrina clarified that the weather disturbance currently has a minimal chance of developing into a tropical cyclone and does not present an immediate threat to the archipelago.
However, he urged citizens to stay informed through official updates as the LPA continues its trajectory outside the PAR.