By Ellayn De Vera-Ruiz
The inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ), or the converging of winds coming from the northeast and southeast that causes thunderstorms and rain showers, will continue to prevail over Luzon and Visayas.
(PAGASA / MANILA BULLETIN)
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Sheilla Reyes said the ITCZ will bring light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate.
There is a higher chance of thunderstorms occurring in the afternoon or evening that could trigger flash floods over low-lying areas and landslides over mountainous areas.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA also advised the public to be on alert for possible flash floods or landslides due to light to moderate to at times heavy rains.
Reyes asked the public to continue monitoring PAGASA’s social media sites and website for thunderstorm advisories.
Thunderstorm advisories are issued when there is an indication that a thunderstorm is threatening specific areas within the next two hours.
Interpreting PAGASA’s three-tiered color-coded rainfall warning system
When yellow warning is issued by PAGASA, the community should be aware that “flooding is possible” in low-lying areas and near river channels.
If orange warning is hoisted, the community should prepare as “flooding is threatening” in low-lying areas and near river channels.
Lastly, if PAGASA issues the red warning, the community concerned should take necessary precautionary measures, as “severe flooding is expected.”