MANILA – The Philippine weather agency has issued a forecast warning of widespread rain across multiple regions due to the combined effects of the easterlies and the northeast monsoon, known locally as ‘amihan’. The eastern and central parts of the Visayas, along with Negros Island Region, Caraga, Sorsogon, Masbate, Capiz, Iloilo, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro, are expected to see scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has cautioned that these areas could face moderate to heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
In the northern regions, ‘amihan’ is set to bring lighter rains to Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Aurora, with isolated light showers expected in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, the rest of Central Luzon, and Calabarzon. The rest of the country will not be spared, as isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are predicted due to the easterlies.
Mariners and coastal residents should prepare for challenging conditions, with strong to gale-force winds and rough to very rough seas expected in Northern Luzon. The Visayas, the rest of Luzon, and the northern and eastern parts of Mindanao will experience moderate to strong winds and choppy coastal waters. Elsewhere, conditions will be relatively calmer with light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.
As of the latest update at 4 a.m., PAGASA reported no low pressure areas that could develop into tropical cyclones, providing a small relief amidst the rainy forecast.