MANILA — The combined effects of a low-pressure area (LPA) near Mindanao and the southwest monsoon, locally known as 'habagat,' are expected to bring scattered rain showers across various regions of the Philippines, the national weather agency reported on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the LPA was located approximately 1,035 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao as of 3 a.m. Saturday. This system is forecasted to cause cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over areas including Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar.
Meanwhile, the habagat will affect the northern and western sections of Luzon, including the Ilocos and Cordillera regions, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Zambales, and Bataan, bringing similar conditions. PAGASA has warned of potential flash floods or landslides during periods of moderate to heavy rainfall in these regions.
Metro Manila, along with the rest of the Visayas and Luzon, is expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. The weather bureau also cautioned that severe thunderstorms could trigger flash floods or landslides in these areas as well.
In terms of marine conditions, strong winds are likely to produce rough seas around the northern and western sections of Luzon. Moderate to strong winds with moderate to rough seas are expected in the Visayas and the remainder of Luzon, while Mindanao will see lighter winds and milder sea conditions.
Temperature forecasts for major cities include a range of 27°C to 30°C in Metro Manila, 18°C to 21°C in Baguio City, and up to 33°C in several southern cities such as Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. Residents are advised to stay informed on weather updates and be prepared for sudden weather changes.