On March 5, 2025, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a weather forecast highlighting the influence of the Easterlies—a warm and humid air mass originating from the Pacific Ocean—on the country’s weather conditions. This system is expected to bring varying weather patterns across different regions.
Affected Areas and Expected Conditions
- Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Sarangani, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi: These provinces are anticipated to experience cloudy skies accompanied by scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the prevailing Easterlies. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant for possible flash floods or landslides, especially in regions prone to such hazards, as moderate to heavy rainfall may occur at times.
- Metro Manila and the Rest of the Country: The capital region, along with other parts of the Philippines, can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. While these conditions may seem mild, there remains a risk of severe thunderstorms that could lead to sudden heavy downpours, potentially causing flash floods or landslides in susceptible areas.
Wind and Coastal Water Conditions
- Eastern Sections of Visayas and Mindanao: Moderate to strong winds blowing from the east are forecasted, resulting in moderate to rough coastal waters with wave heights ranging from 1.5 to 2.8 meters. Mariners and coastal communities should exercise caution due to these conditions.
- Northern Luzon: Light to moderate winds from the east to southeast are expected, leading to slight to moderate sea conditions with wave heights between 0.6 to 2.1 meters.
- Rest of the Country: Light to moderate winds coming from the east to northeast will prevail, with coastal waters anticipated to be slight to moderate, having wave heights of 0.6 to 2.1 meters.
General Outlook and Recommendations
The dominance of the Easterlies typically brings warm and humid weather conditions across the archipelago. However, this system also has the potential to cause localized thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather information and heed any advisories issued by local authorities.
In areas where scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected, individuals should be prepared for sudden weather changes and take necessary precautions against potential hazards such as flash floods and landslides. Communities in low-lying and mountainous regions are especially encouraged to remain alert and have contingency plans in place.
For those engaged in marine activities, it is crucial to consider the current sea conditions. Moderate to rough seas, particularly along the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao, may pose risks to small sea vessels. Operators of such vessels are advised to exercise caution or avoid venturing into these waters until conditions improve.
Overall, while the Easterlies bring about typical weather patterns for this time of year, the inherent variability necessitates continuous monitoring. Staying informed through reliable weather updates and maintaining readiness for abrupt weather changes are essential to ensure safety and mitigate the impacts of adverse weather conditions.