THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather advisory on Friday, warning that parts of the country may experience cloudy skies and rainfall during the observance of “Undas,” as millions of Filipinos visit cemeteries nationwide.
PAGASA noted that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to affect Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, increasing the likelihood of rain in many areas.
“Let’s start with the Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ, which is currently affecting Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao,” said PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina.
The system is expected to bring mostly cloudy skies with rain over Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, BARMM, SOCCSKSARGEN, Davao Region, Lanao del Norte, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Badrina advised residents to carry rain protection while visiting cemeteries. “Since today is a non-working holiday and many are visiting cemeteries, it’s best to bring rain protection,” he said.
The shear line, a convergence of cold and warm air, will also bring cloudy skies and rain over Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora provinces, while the northeast monsoon (amihan) is expected to bring light rains over Batanes and nearby islands.
For other areas, including the Ilocos Region, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Eastern and Central Visayas, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao, PAGASA forecasts localized thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.
“The chance of rain is lower in the morning until noon, but localized thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon,” Badrina said.
LOW-PRESSURE AREA MONITORED
PAGASA is also monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) located about 1,600 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao, currently outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
“For now, we don’t expect it to develop into a tropical cyclone today,” Badrina said. “However, it may develop into a tropical cyclone by Sunday or Monday as it enters the PAR.”
If the disturbance intensifies into a tropical depression, it could bring widespread rains over eastern Visayas, Mindanao, and Southern Luzon early next week.