The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued its weather forecast for December 16, 2024, highlighting the influence of the Shear Line, the Northeast Monsoon, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) across the country.
Weather Synopsis
The Shear Line affects the eastern section of Southern Luzon, while the Northeast Monsoon dominates the rest of Luzon. The ITCZ influences weather conditions in Mindanao.
Forecast Weather Conditions
Southern Luzon and Bicol Region
Areas including Quezon, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, and the Bicol Region will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the Shear Line. Residents should remain vigilant for possible flash floods or landslides caused by moderate to at times heavy rainfall.
Visayas and Mindanao
Due to the ITCZ, the Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and the Davao Region will also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. These areas face similar risks of flash floods or landslides from moderate to heavy rains.
Meanwhile, the rest of Mindanao is expected to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, still influenced by the ITCZ. Severe thunderstorms may lead to localized flash floods or landslides.
Northern Luzon and Aurora
Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Aurora will see cloudy skies with rains caused by the Northeast Monsoon. Moderate to at times heavy rainfall in these areas may also result in flash floods or landslides.
Metro Manila and Other Areas
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains, with no significant impact expected. The rest of Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms, with the potential for flash floods or landslides during severe storms.
Wind and Coastal Water Conditions
- Northern and Central Luzon: Strong northeast winds will result in rough coastal waters, with wave heights between 2.8 to 4.0 meters.
- Eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao: Moderate to strong northeast winds will cause moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.7 meters).
- Rest of the country: Light to moderate winds from the northeast to north will lead to slight to moderate coastal waters (0.6 to 2.5 meters).
Residents and seafarers are advised to take precautions, particularly in areas with rough seas and heavy rainfall.