MANILA – Wet weather will dominate most parts of the Philippines on Friday (20 Dec 2024) as three weather systems bring rains and thunderstorms across the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.

A low-pressure area (LPA) located off the coast of Mahinog, Camiguin, as of 3 a.m., is expected to cause scattered rains and thunderstorms in the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan. The LPA, previously known as Tropical Depression Querubin, has a medium chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours, according to PAGASA forecaster Obet Badrina.

“It may develop into a tropical cyclone by Sunday as it moves out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR),” Badrina noted.

Areas Likely to Experience Intense Rainfall

Heavy to intense rains are forecast in the following areas:

Bicol Region: Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon

Eastern Visayas: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte

Moderate to heavy rains are also expected in:

Southern Luzon: Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon

Western Visayas: Aklan, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol

Zamboanga Peninsula: Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay

Northern Mindanao and Caraga: Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte

Weather Impact on Luzon

The shear line affecting the eastern portion of Southern Luzon will cause scattered rains and thunderstorms in the Bicol Region, Quezon, and MIMAROPA. Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon (“amihan”) will bring light rains to Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, and the rest of Luzon.

Rough Seas and Strong Winds

Strong winds and rough seas are expected along the northern and western coasts of Northern Luzon. Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough waters will affect the Visayas and the rest of Luzon. Mindanao will experience light to moderate winds and seas.

PAGASA advises the public, especially those in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant for potential flash floods and landslides.

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