Manila: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a warning concerning the heightened risk of widespread rains, flooding, and landslides affecting large parts of the country. This alert comes as a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, continue to influence the weather conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo reported in the 5 p.m. weather update that the LPA was positioned near the coastal waters of Siruma, Camarines Sur, as of 3 p.m. While the LPA is currently unlikely to develop into a tropical depression, heavy rains are expected to impact most parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao within the next 48 hours.
Manalo outlined two possible scenarios for the LPA. The first scenario involves the LPA dissipating over the waters off the east coast of Quezon province, with the potential formation of another LPA in the West Philippine Sea. The second scenario suggests the LPA may traverse the region, maintaining its status as a weather system moving towards the West Philippine Sea. The key difference between these scenarios is whether the current LPA dissipates or persists.
Regardless of these scenarios, most of Luzon is expected to experience cloudy skies and high chances of rain. From Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday, Quezon province may receive up to 200 mm of rainfall, potentially leading to multiple floods and landslides, especially in mountainous regions. Other provinces, including Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur, may experience 50 to 100 mm of rain, increasing the risk of flash floods and localized flooding.
Additionally, the southwest monsoon will continue to bring moderate to heavy rains to Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique through Wednesday, with these conditions expected to extend to Oriental Mindoro and Negros Occidental by Thursday.
PAGASA has announced that it will issue its next weather advisory at 11 p.m., unless there are significant changes in weather conditions.
