Rains to persist due to 3 weather systems — PAGASA


The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said there is still no low-pressure area (LPA) or tropical cyclone being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as of Thursday, Dec. 12. 

However, PAGASA Weather Specialist Rhea Torres said the country will continue to experience rainy weather in many areas due to three prevailing weather systems, namely the northeast monsoon (amihan), shear line, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Torres said the amihan is currently affecting Northern Luzon and parts of Central Luzon, bringing cloudy skies and rains over the eastern sections of Northern Luzon.

She added that the shear line, which forms where the cold winds of the northeast monsoon meet the warm winds from the Pacific Ocean (easterlies), continues to affect the eastern portions of Southern and Central Luzon, causing rain in some areas of Southern Luzon.

Meanwhile, a large part of Visayas and Mindanao is affected by the ITCZ, a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge.

Starting Friday, Dec. 13, Torres said rainfall is expected to decrease gradually, particularly in Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao.

However, by Saturday, Dec. 14, the shear line will return and may affect Quezon and Bicol Region, as well as nearby provinces.

In the next two to three days, she added that there are no LPAs or tropical cyclones that could affect the country.