MANILA – The southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” is expected to bring widespread rain showers and thunderstorms to various parts of the Philippines, the weather bureau announced on Tuesday (18 June 2024).
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the monsoon will bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Zambales, and Bataan.
These areas may experience moderate to heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash floods and landslides.
In addition, isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are forecasted for Metro Manila, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Western Visayas, the rest of MIMAROPA, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.
Other regions of the country can expect occasional rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA has warned that severe thunderstorms could also trigger flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas.
Throughout the country, light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas are anticipated. Currently, no tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility, as confirmed by PAGASA forecaster Rhea Torres.
“We anticipate that the southwest monsoon will continue to affect a significant portion of the country in the coming days,” Torres added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
