As millions of Filipinos head to the polls, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of potential heavy rains in extreme Northern Luzon, while hot and humid weather continues to prevail in most parts of the country.

In a public forecast on Monday, May 12, PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said that a frontal system is currently affecting the northernmost parts of the country, increasing the risk of landslides and flash floods.

“Ito ang ating magiging panahon ngayong araw ng eleksyon May 12. Makikita natin dito sa ating latest satellite images itong mga makakapal na kaulapan na kasalukuyang nakakaapekto dito sa extreme Northern Luzon ay ito ngang pag-irap ng isang frontal system sa nabanggit na lugar (This is our weather outlook for election day, May 12. Our latest satellite images show thick cloud bands currently affecting extreme Northern Luzon due to a frontal system in the area),” he said.

Villamil explained that a frontal system is the boundary between warm and cold air masses and typically produces cloud formation and rain.

“Ang frontal system ay ang boundary o pagitan ng mainit at malamig na hangin. Sa boundary na ito ay nagkakaroon tayo ng mga kaulapan na nagdudulot ng mataas na tyansa ng pag-ulan dito nga sa area ng Batanes at Cagayan. Kaya sa mga nabanggit na lugar, maghanda po tayo sa mga banta ng landslides at flash floods lalong-lalo na kung tuloy-tuloy ang pag-ulan na ating mararanasan (The frontal system is the boundary between warm and cold air. This boundary causes cloud formation that brings a high chance of rain in the Batanes and Cagayan areas. Residents are advised to prepare for landslides and flash floods, especially if heavy rain continues).”

According to the state weather bureau, Metro Manila and most of the country will continue to experience hot and humid weather due to the presence of easterlies.

“Samantala, dito sa Metro Manila at sa nalalabing bahagi pa ng ating bansa ay magpapatuloy pa rin itong mainit at maalinsangan na panahon na dulot ng easterlies. Ito ‘yung hangin na nanggagaling sa karagatang Pasipiko pero hindi nangangahulugan na wala na tayong pag-ulan na mararanasan (Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will continue to experience hot and humid weather brought by the easterlies. These are winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, but this does not mean we won’t experience any rain),” said Villamil.

PAGASA advised the public to still be ready for sudden, short-lived rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the late afternoon to evening.

“Maghanda pa rin tayo sa mga biglaan at panandaliang pag-ulan na dulot ng thunderstorms especially sa late afternoon to evening (We should still prepare for sudden and brief rainfall caused by thunderstorms, especially from late afternoon to evening),” he said.

As such, the weather specialist noted that there are no low pressure areas or significant weather disturbances currently being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“At sa kasalukuyan, wala pa naman tayong binabantayang low pressure area o ng mga sama ng panahon sa loob at labas ng ating PAR na maaring makaapekto sa ating bansa sa mga susunod na araw (As of now, we are not monitoring any low pressure area or weather disturbance inside or outside PAR that may affect the country in the coming days),” he said.

Over 68 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots for the 2025 polls, where Filipinos will elect senators, congressional representatives, and local officials nationwide.