MANILA – The Philippines is set to experience widespread rain on Friday, influenced by three distinct weather systems. A low pressure area (LPA) currently situated over the coastal waters of Mahinog, Camiguin, is expected to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms across the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan. This LPA, previously known as Tropical Depression Querubin, has a moderate likelihood of intensifying into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Forecaster Obet Badrina noted that it might evolve into a cyclone by Sunday as it moves out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
The combined effects of the LPA and the shear line are predicted to cause heavy to intense rainfall in regions including Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte. Moderate to heavy rains are also expected in Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Aklan, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.
PAGASA also forecasts that the shear line will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to the Bicol Region, Quezon, and the rest of Mimaropa. Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon, or ‘amihan,’ will affect the rest of Luzon, bringing rain to Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Aurora, with isolated light rains elsewhere in Luzon.
Strong winds and rough seas are anticipated in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon. The Visayas and the rest of Luzon will see moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough coastal waters. In contrast, Mindanao is expected to experience light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas, as reported by PAGASA.