No new tropical cyclone formation expected: Shear Line and Northeast Monsoon to affect Luzon

As of 8:00 PM of December 14, 2024, no low-pressure areas (LPAs) are being monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for tropical cyclone formation. Despite the absence of immediate cyclone threats, the agency continues to advise the public to stay updated through official channels.

Weather conditions affecting Southern Luzon and Metro Manila

The latest weather update highlights the ongoing influence of two significant weather systems in the Philippines: the Shear Line and the Northeast Monsoon. These conditions are expected to bring varying weather conditions to different parts of the country, particularly affecting the eastern sections of Southern Luzon and Metro Manila.

Shear Line’s impact on Quezon and Bicol Region

The Shear Line, which is currently affecting the eastern section of Southern Luzon, is responsible for cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms in the Quezon and Bicol regions. PAGASA has warned residents of the possibility of flash floods or landslides, especially in areas experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall.

PAGASA advises residents in these regions to remain alert for sudden weather changes, particularly as rainfall may intensify at times. Although the Shear Line itself does not represent a tropical cyclone, its associated rains can still cause significant hazards for local communities, particularly those in flood-prone areas.

Northeast Monsoon and its widespread effects

The Northeast Monsoon, also known as the “Amihan,” is affecting the rest of Luzon, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers, particularly in areas such as Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Aurora. These regions are also under threat of flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains that could last for several hours.

For the remainder of Luzon, including Metro Manila, the weather will remain partly cloudy to cloudy, with only isolated light rains expected. This will have little to no significant impact, but residents should remain cautious of localized weather disturbances that could arise unexpectedly.

In the rest of the country, the Northeast Monsoon is expected to bring light to moderate winds, with possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Although the risk of flash floods or landslides exists, particularly during severe thunderstorms, the situation is not as severe as in the areas directly affected by the Shear Line.

Coastal conditions and wind updates

PAGASA has also provided updates on wind speeds and coastal conditions across various regions. In Northern Luzon, strong to gale-force winds are expected, with coastal waters becoming rough to very rough. This makes it essential for residents and those living near coastal areas to exercise caution when traveling by sea, as waves may reach heights of up to 4.5 meters.

For Central Luzon, wind speeds will be moderate to strong, with coastal waters becoming moderate to strong as well, with wave heights ranging between 2.1 to 3.1 meters.

The rest of the country will experience light to moderate winds, accompanied by slightly to moderately rough coastal waters, which are generally safe for most seafaring activities, although caution should still be exercised during storms.

Temperature and humidity extremes

In terms of temperature, the lowest recorded temperature today was 24.2°C at 4:40 AM, while the highest temperature reached 31.9°C at 11:00 AM. Relative humidity levels were high, peaking at 95% early this morning, making the day feel warmer than the actual air temperature. Such humidity levels are typical of the rainy season, as the moisture in the air contributes to a higher potential for precipitation.

The minimum relative humidity for the day was 58% at 11:00 AM, which suggests that the air has become slightly drier as the day progressed.

Tides and astronomical details

For those living near the coast, the tides are expected to show significant variation tomorrow. The low tide is predicted for 5:20 AM with a measurement of -0.39 meters, while the high tide will occur at 8:37 PM, reaching 1.31 meters. These tidal conditions may affect coastal activities, especially in areas with low-lying shores.

The sunrise tomorrow is expected at 6:13 AM, with sunset occurring at 5:29 PM. The moonrise will take place at 4:20 PM, and the moon will set at 4:47 AM. Additionally, the moon’s illumination will be at 99%, making for a bright night sky for those interested in stargazing.

Stay updated with PAGASA for the latest weather developments

As the weather systems continue to evolve, PAGASA urges the public to monitor updates and remain prepared for possible disruptions. Whether it’s the Shear Line bringing rain to the eastern regions or the Northeast Monsoon affecting larger areas of Luzon, understanding the potential risks can help mitigate their impacts.

For more information and real-time updates, individuals can visit PAGASA’s official website at pagasa.dost.gov.ph, or follow their social media accounts. PAGASA remains dedicated to providing the most accurate and timely weather forecasts to keep the public safe and informed during the rainy season.