Manila: Another intense rainfall episode similar to the deluge that dumped more than 200 mm of rain over Quezon City earlier this week cannot be ruled out as weather systems continue to enhance the southwest monsoon or 'habagat,' the weather bureau said Wednesday. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Assistant Weather Services Chief Chris Perez stated that the country remains in the habagat season, when enhanced monsoon conditions can occasionally produce large amounts of rain within a short period.
According to Philippines News Agency, Perez highlighted the potential for further intense rainfall, explaining that as long as enhancements of the habagat continue, the possibility of significant rainfall events remains. "Hindi po natin isinasantabi iyong posibilidad na iyon. Kasi hangga't may enhancement ng habagat, hangga't nasa habagat season po tayo, asahan po natin na may mga occasional na, may mga pagkakataon na makakaranas tayo ng talagang maraming ibabagsak na pag-ulan (We are not discounting that possibility. So long as the habagat is being enhanced and we remain in the habagat season, there will be occasions when we could experience very large amounts of rainfall)," Perez stated during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program.
The warning follows Quezon City's recent experience, where 219 mm of rain was recorded on Monday, equating to nearly half of the city's typical rainfall for the entire month of August. Perez noted that climatological data over the past 30 years shows that Quezon City usually receives about 508 mm of rainfall throughout August.
Perez also mentioned Tropical Depression Neneng, which, although not expected to make landfall, continues to enhance the habagat and bring rains over Metro Manila and the western sections of Luzon. Another tropical depression monitored over the West Philippine Sea is also contributing to the strengthening of the southwest monsoon.
PAGASA forecasts 100 mm to 200 mm of rainfall over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro within the next 24 hours, while Metro Manila and other parts of northern and central Luzon may receive 50 mm to 100 mm. Perez advised residents to closely monitor PAGASA forecasts, weather advisories, and rainfall warnings, particularly in areas at risk of flooding and landslides, as rains could persist over western Luzon during the next 24 to 48 hours.
Neneng was located 530 km east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It was moving northwest at 30 kph and was forecast to exit the northern boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility without making landfall.
