Pagasa: Habagat Weakens, Localized Thunderstorms to Affect PH

MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon, or habagat, has weakened, affecting only the western section of Northern Luzon, the state weather bureau said. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said during a 5 a.m. weather advisory on Wednesday that the southwest monsoon is forecast to further weaken and move offshore due to the low-pressure area (LPA) near Hong Kong. “The southwest monsoon has weakened slightly and is now confined to the western section of Northern Luzon. It is expected to weaken further and move offshore or only affect the ocean,” Dominguez said in Filipino. READ: Pagasa: Habagat to bring rains as Josie less likely to affect PH The LPA, located 1,165 kilometers west northwest of Extreme Luzon, is also projected to be less likely to redevelop into a tropical depression, according to Pagasa. Meanwhile, LPA Josie exited the Philippine area of responsibility at 2 a.m on Wednesday, and remains to not directly affect the country. “It has downgraded into a full-fledged low-pressure area and has completely exited the Philippine area of ​​responsibility,” Dominguez added. Despite Josie’s exit, localized thunderstorms may affect Metro Manila and the rest of the country, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. “We expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or localized thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening,” Dominguez reported. /das