Philippines Braces for Rainy Conditions as Three Weather Systems Converge

MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecasted widespread rain across the Philippines on Friday, influenced by three distinct weather systems. The northernmost regions of Batanes and Babuyan Islands are set to encounter scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms due to a shear line. Similarly, the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and parts of mainland Luzon including Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon, will see scattered rains and thunderstorms brought on by the easterlies. In the southern parts of the country, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and the Davao Region are expected to experience similar weather conditions due to the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). PAGASA warns that these areas could face moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially leading to flash floods or landslides. The rest of the nation might see isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms, also influenced by the ITCZ and easterlies, with a risk of flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. Additionally, strong winds and rough seas are anticipated in extreme Northern Luzon, while the rest of Northern Luzon will experience moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas. Other regions will have lighter winds and calmer seas. Meanwhile, PAGASA notes a low-pressure area (LPA) located 360 km northwest of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan, which has a slight chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.