Rains expected nationwide due to ITCZ

The low pressure area (LPA) east of Visayas has already dissipated but the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) may continue to affect Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Scattered light to moderate rain showers with occasional heavy rains may affect Visayas, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur.

The ITCZ may also bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies over Metro Manila and the rest of the country, while some areas will have possible afternoon or evening rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA weather specialist Ariel Rojas said the ITCZ is the region near the equator where winds from various directions converge, which is usually a breeding ground for localized thunderstorms, and sometimes potential low pressure area.

Areas that are highly susceptible to flash floods or landslides may have to take extra precautions in the event of severe thunderstorms that usually occur in the afternoon or evening.

Meanwhile, no gale warning has been raised in any part of the country on Tuesday afternoon but PAGASA still advised seafarers and fisherfolk using small boats to remain alert during severe thunderstorms as sea condition may become rough.