By: Sophia Pacheco
Photo courtesy of GMA News
Cloudy weather with rain showers and isolated thunderstorms is forecast across many parts of the Philippines today due to the combined effects of a shear line, the northeast monsoon, and easterly winds, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday, Feb. 23.
These weather systems are bringing moisture from the east and northeast, resulting in cloudy conditions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
In Luzon, Metro Manila and nearby provinces will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with light rains expected in some areas due to the northeast monsoon.
Meanwhile, parts of Southern Luzon, including Sorsogon and Masbate, will experience scattered rain and isolated thunderstorms as the shear line interacts with local weather patterns.
In Visayas and eastern Mindanao, easterly winds will cause cloudy skies with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas.
PAGASA advised that moderate to heavy rainfall may lead to localized flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas.
Coastal waters in the eastern sections of Southern Luzon and Visayas are expected to be moderate to rough due to strong winds, while the rest of the country will experience light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.
Currently, there are no tropical cyclones or low-pressure areas (LPAs) being monitored in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
According to PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio, the northeast monsoon is expected to have little to no effect on the country on Tuesday, while easterly winds will continue to influence the weather over the next several days.
“In the next two to three days, this weak northeast monsoon will continue to weaken. So tomorrow we expect no monsoon to affect our country. Meanwhile, we expect the easterlies to continue to affect our country,” Aurelio said.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides.