Weekend weather: Scattered rains, thunderstorms to affect several areas across the Philippines
The country could experience a rainy weekend as scattered rains and thunderstorms may affect several areas from Saturday, Dec. 7 to Monday, Dec. 9, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja on Friday, Dec. 6 said it will remain rainy over many areas throughout the weekend.
From Saturday to Sunday, Dec. 8, the shear line will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to Batanes and Babuyan Islands, while the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will cause intermittent rainfall over parts of Mindanao and Visayas.
Estareja explained that the shear line is moving upward, bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms to Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, while a large portion of the Visayas and Mindanao can expect more frequent rainfall.
Although the rain may not be continuous, some areas may experience occasional heavy downpours, he added.
The shear line is formed by the collision of warm air from the Pacific Ocean (easterlies) and cold air from the northeast monsoon (amihan), which causes rainfall.
Meanwhile, the ITCZ is the convergence of winds from the northern and southern hemispheres, forming rain clouds. It is also a breeding ground for tropical cyclones.
On Monday, Estareja said the shear line will continue to affect the northern and eastern parts of Luzon, including Aurora, Quezon, and a large portion of the Bicol region.
He said parts of Northern Samar may also experience scattered rains and thunderstorms.
“So make sure over this weekend isama ang pag-ulan sa mga plano natin at magdala ng payong bilang pananggalang sa mga pag-ulan. Ingat sa banta ng baha at pagguho ng lupa (So make sure to include the possibility of rain in your plans this weekend and bring an umbrella as protection against the showers. Be cautious of the threat of floods and landslides),” Estareja said.