The southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” which is being enhanced by three tropical cyclones, is expected to continue to bring “significant amounts of rains” over Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Moderate to heavy monsoon rains (50-100 millimeters) are currently affecting Metro Manila, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Calamian Islands, while heavy to intense rains (100-200 millimeters) are being experienced in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.
On Friday, Sept. 1, moderate to heavy rains may continue to affect Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Calamian Islands.
On Saturday, Sept. 2, moderate to heavy rains may persist in Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and Calamian Islands.
PAGASA said heavy to intense rains may persist in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro until Saturday.
“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards,” PAGASA warned.
PAGASA said the habagat is being enhanced by super typhoon Saola (formerly “Goring”) and severe tropical storm Hanna (international name: “Haikui”), as well as a tropical storm with the international name “Kirogi.”
Saola and Kirogi are outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), while Hanna is inside the PAR.
PAGASA estimated the location of Hanna 1,160 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 135 kph.
Hanna is less likely to make landfall and may leave the PAR Friday.