Large parts of Luzon and Visayas remain under threat of rain and flooding as a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon or habagat continue to affect the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported early Sunday.
As of 3 a.m., the LPA was located 115 kilometers north of Virac, Catanduanes or 285 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon. PAGASA meteorologist Daniel James Villamil said the system has a low chance of becoming a tropical storm within 24 hours but warned that it would still bring heavy rains and thunderstorms.
The weather disturbance is expected to cause cloudy skies and scattered rains in Bicol, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas. Provinces like Aurora and Quezon are also on alert as localized thunderstorms may intensify, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Meanwhile, the influence of the habagat will continue to bring rain to Metro Manila, Mimaropa, the rest of Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Visayas, as well as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga. These areas should also brace for scattered rain showers, strong gusts of wind, and potential flooding.
Possible landslides and flood risks ahead
Although the LPA is not forecast to intensify into a tropical cyclone, PAGASA emphasized that its presence, combined with the seasonal southwest monsoon, is enough to cause significant rainfall. Areas such as Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate are identified as high-risk zones due to continuous heavy rains.
Local governments have been advised to monitor weather updates closely and prepare evacuation protocols in flood-prone communities. PAGASA also urged residents near mountain slopes and waterways to stay alert as flash floods or landslides may occur without warning.
The rest of the country, not directly affected by the LPA or the habagat, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Winds and sea conditions remain manageable
Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate sea conditions are forecast to prevail across the archipelago. However, fishing boats and small sea vessels are still advised to exercise caution, especially in coastal regions with ongoing rainfall.
As the LPA moves slowly and interacts with the habagat, PAGASA expects this weather pattern to persist through the start of the week. Residents are encouraged to follow local advisories and rely only on official weather bulletins for updates.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.