PH storm-free this week
The Philippines may remain storm-free throughout the week, a welcome respite from back-to-back tropical cyclones that caused one of the worst flooding in the country.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration weather specialist Benison Estareja said Sunday there is a less likelihood of a low-pressure area or tropical cyclone formation in the coming week.
As of Sunday, the northeast monsoon or "amihan" remains the prevailing weather system affecting Northern Luzon, he said.
Estareja said the amihan may continue to bring light to moderate rains over Cagayan Valley.
He warned residents in Cagayan and Isabela to remain vigilant as flooding and landslides are still possible in the region.
Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Apayao may also experience isolated light monsoon rains.
Estareja said the warm weather remains in Metro Manila and the rest of the country but isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may still occur in the afternoon or evening.
He said the warm and humid easterly winds may affect the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao, causing a high chance of rains in these areas.
As sea travel remains risky, a gale warning remains in effect Sunday in some of the country's seaboards due to strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of the amihan.
Rough to very rough seas may prevail over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon, particularly over Batanes annd northern coast of Cagayan and Babuyan Islands.
The western coasts of Northern Luzon, particularly Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, were also expected to remain rough to very rough.
Fishing boats and other small boats were advised not to venture out into the sea, while larger sea vessels were asked to remain alert against big waves.
The country had eight tropical cyclones in just 30 days from October to November after a lull from June to September.
The country had “Nika,” “Ofel,” “Pepito,” “Quinta,” “Rolly,” “Siony,” “Tonyo,” and “Ulysses” during this period, bringing to 21 the number of tropical cyclones that formed within the country' area of responsibility so far this year, one more than its average annually.