Southwest Monsoon to Affect Northern Luzon; Rain Showers Possible Nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced on Wednesday at 4 p.m. that the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” will prevail in extreme Northern Luzon in the next 24 hours. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are expected in Ilocos Norte, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands due to the southwest monsoon. Pagasa warned of “possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.” Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms. Pagasa also cautioned of the same hazards during severe thunderstorms in these areas. As of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, no low pressure area is being monitored within the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), according to the state weather bureau. Pagasa weather forecaster Benison Estareja said on Tuesday that the habagat is expected to further weaken over the next two days, with rains forecast to lessen in the western section of the country. Estareja also added that no tropical cyclones will enter the PAR until the weekend, but one may enter the country before the end of the month.