The Southwest Monsoon is currently affecting the western sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, according to the latest weather update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). The agency has issued a weather forecast for August 24, 2024, highlighting the potential impact of the monsoon on various regions of the country.
As of 3:00 AM today, Pagasa also reported a Tropical Cyclone outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), Severe Tropical Storm Shanshan (2410). The storm was last located approximately 2,055 kilometers east of Central Luzon, with coordinates at 18.9°N, 141.3°E. Shanshan is packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center and gustiness up to 135 km/h, moving northward at 15 km/h. While it remains outside PAR, Pagasa is closely monitoring its movement.
Forecast Weather Conditions
The Southwest Monsoon is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to several regions, including MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Residents in these areas should be on alert for possible flash floods or landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous regions, due to moderate to at times heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, primarily caused by localized thunderstorms. Although these rains are generally less intense, severe thunderstorms could still trigger flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas.
Wind and Coastal Water Conditions
Wind conditions across Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are anticipated to be light to moderate, blowing from the southwest. Coastal waters in these areas will be slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 meters. The rest of Luzon will experience light to moderate winds from the northeast to northwest, with similar coastal water conditions.
General Flood Advisories
In light of the expected weather conditions, Pagasa has issued General Flood Advisories (GFA) for several regions as of 6:00 AM today. The advisories include GFA#3 for Region 4B (MIMAROPA) and Region 6 (Western Visayas), GFA#1 for Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), and GFA#4 for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated on the latest weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.