MANILA — Various regions in the Philippines continue to face persistent rain showers as the country grapples with the effects of the shear line and the northeast monsoon, commonly known as “amihan,” according to the latest report from the weather bureau on Thursday.

The shear line is anticipated to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Quezon, Marinduque, and Romblon. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns that moderate to heavy rains in these areas could lead to flash floods or landslides.

Additionally, the northeast monsoon is expected to induce light rains over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Aurora. Metropolitan Manila, Ilocos Region, the remaining parts of Cordillera Administrative Region, the rest of Central Luzon, and the rest of Calabarzon will experience isolated light rains due to the influence of the northeast monsoon.

The rest of the country can anticipate isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms. PAGASA highlights that moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail over Luzon, the Visayas, and the eastern section of Mindanao, while the rest of Mindanao will experience light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.

In related developments, PAGASA meteorologist Patrick del Mundo reports ongoing monitoring of a low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Located 1,220 km east of northeastern Mindanao, the LPA has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. Del Mundo notes that regardless of cyclone development, heavy rains are expected over the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga on Sunday.

“It could enter PAR in the next 24 hours,” Del Mundo remarked, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in the face of potential weather disturbances.

(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)