MANILA — The Philippines is set to encounter variable weather conditions Sunday (22 Oct 2023) as a result of a weather phenomenon known as the shear line and the northeast monsoon, locally referred to as “amihan.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has provided the following weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

Most parts of Luzon will observe overcast skies accompanied by rainfall due to the combined influence of the shear line and the amihan.

Northern Luzon, particularly Kalinga Apayao and Cagayan Valley, is expected to experience cloudy conditions with rainfall primarily attributed to the amihan.

The amihan will also bring cloudy skies with light rain to the Ilocos Region and the remaining areas of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Metro Manila, Camarines Norte, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon are likely to witness cloudy skies with intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms, resulting from the shear line—a meteorological pattern formed when contrasting cold and warm air masses converge.

Due to these weather conditions, PAGASA has issued warnings of potential flooding and landslides, especially in areas that are highly susceptible to these natural hazards.

Northern Luzon will experience moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast to the east, with moderate to rough sea conditions.

In contrast, the rest of the country can expect light to moderate winds from the northeast to the east, along with slight to moderate sea conditions.

Temperature-wise, the range is expected to fall between 24.8°C and 27.1°C.

(ai/mnm)