The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather forecast for August 28, 2024, emphasizing the effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) on various regions of the country. The monsoon is currently affecting Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and the Visayas, bringing with it a mix of occasional rains, scattered thunderstorms, and localized rain showers.
Weather Conditions
Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique can expect occasional rains throughout the day due to the influence of the Southwest Monsoon. The continuous rainfall may lead to potential flash floods or landslides in areas prone to these hazards, especially in low-lying and mountainous regions.
La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Bicol Region, and the rest of the Visayas, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA will experience cloudy skies accompanied by scattered rains and thunderstorms. The Southwest Monsoon remains the primary cause of these weather patterns, and the public is advised to remain vigilant for possible flash floods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall.
In Mindanao and the rest of the country, residents can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, primarily caused by localized weather systems. Although rainfall may be less consistent in these areas, severe thunderstorms could still result in flash floods or landslides.
Wind and Coastal Water Conditions
Throughout Luzon and the Visayas, winds will be light to moderate, blowing from the southwest. Coastal waters in these areas will be slight to moderate, with waves ranging from 0.6 to 2.1 meters. Mindanao will also experience light to moderate winds from the south to southwest, with coastal waters expected to remain slight to moderate, mirroring the conditions in Luzon and the Visayas.
Regional Focus and Warnings
For Antique, Palawan including the Kalayaan Islands, and Occidental Mindoro, occasional rains are forecasted due to the persistent Southwest Monsoon. The rest of Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. The public should be aware of potential risks such as flooding and landslides in affected areas.
PAGASA has also issued a Heavy Rainfall Warning No. 2 for specific areas in the Visayas, particularly Occidental Mindoro. An Orange Warning Level is in place for municipalities like Santa Cruz, Mamburao, Abra de Ilog, Paluan, Looc, and Lubang, where flooding and landslides are likely in low-lying and mountainous areas. A Yellow Warning Level has been issued for Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro, indicating that flooding and landslides are possible.
In Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces, PAGASA’s Heavy Rainfall Warning No. 4 has placed Zambales, Bataan, and Metro Manila under a Yellow Warning Level, signaling the risk of flooding in flood-prone areas. Light to moderate rains are expected over Nueva Ecija and Quezon, while Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, and Laguna, including specific cities like Calamba, Cabuyao, and Santa Rosa, may experience occasional heavy rains over the next few hours.
Public Advisory
Given the widespread impact of the Southwest Monsoon, PAGASA advises the public, especially those in high-risk areas, to monitor weather updates closely. The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices are on alert, and PAGASA will issue the next warning at 8:00 AM today.
Additionally, due to the adverse weather conditions brought about by the monsoon, some local government units have declared class suspensions in their respective areas as a precautionary measure. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of increased rainfall.