Southwest Monsoon Brings Widespread Rain in Philippines
The southwest monsoon, known locally as the habagat, is set to bring widespread rain across the Philippines on Tuesday, sources said. This weather pattern is expected to cause cloudy skies and scattered showers in many parts of the country.
According to weather experts, the southwest monsoon will increase the chances of rain and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, the Cordillera region, Occidental Mindoro, Batanes, and the Babuyan Islands. These areas should prepare for wet weather throughout the day.
Rainfall Forecast for Luzon and Neighboring Regions
Aside from the areas heavily affected, the rest of Luzon, including the Bicol Region, Mimaropa provinces (Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), and the Cagayan Valley, will experience isolated rain showers and thunderstorms mainly from the afternoon to evening. Some parts of Palawan may also see a mix of cloudy skies and scattered showers.
Visayas and Mindanao Weather Outlook
In the Visayas, the western provinces of Antique and Aklan are likely to face cloudy skies with rain showers. The remaining Visayas provinces should expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain and thunder, mostly during the later part of the day.
Meanwhile, Mindanao will see scattered rain showers over the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Sultan Kudarat. The rest of Mindanao is forecasted to have generally clearer weather, although isolated heavy rains and thunderstorms may occur in the afternoon or evening.
Safety Precautions and Weather Warnings
Authorities advise residents to remain cautious of possible flash floods and landslides, especially where severe thunderstorms develop. “So be cautious of the potential for flash floods and landslides, especially when we have severe thunderstorms,” local weather specialists urged.
Habagat’s Impact to Weaken Soon
Experts noted that heavy rains from the southwest monsoon may ease in the coming days. This reduction is expected as Tropical Cyclone Bising, also known internationally as Danas, moves away from the Philippine area of responsibility.
“We expect the heavy rains experienced recently, especially during the weekend, to decrease as Tropical Cyclone Bising heads toward mainland China,” sources explained. The cyclone is forecasted to weaken and become a low-pressure area, which will lessen the habagat’s influence over the country.
Currently, no new low-pressure areas or cyclones are being monitored within or near the Philippine region, local meteorologists confirmed.
For more news and updates on southwest monsoon weather, visit Filipinokami.com.