Pagasa Southwest Monsoon and Low Pressure Area Forecast

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather advisory on Thursday afternoon, warning the public of heavy rainfall brought about by the combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and a Low Pressure Area (LPA) affecting the country.

Between today and tomorrow afternoon, June 13, rainfall ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters is expected over several provinces, including Batanes, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. PAGASA warned that rainfall totals may be significantly higher in mountainous or elevated areas. Localized flooding and landslides are possible, particularly in areas already saturated by previous rains.

The agency emphasized that the public and disaster risk reduction and management councils in affected areas must take all precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property. “Impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall,” the advisory read.

PAGASA’s Regional Services Divisions are closely monitoring developments and may issue Heavy Rainfall Warnings, Thunderstorm Advisories, or other weather bulletins as necessary for specific localities.

The agency also clarified the difference between a Heavy Rainfall Warning and a Weather Advisory. A Heavy Rainfall Warning is accurate to the municipal level and valid for the next three hours. It utilizes Doppler radar to monitor rainfall intensity in real time and is ideal for flood-prone communities needing immediate alerts. Meanwhile, a Weather Advisory covers a broader forecast period of 24 hours but is issued only at the provincial level and with less precision.

In addition to the weather advisory, General Flood Advisories (GFAs) have been issued for multiple regions, including: