Rainy weather will affect several areas of the country this long weekend due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday, June 4.
Rains to affect parts of the Philippines this long weekend — PAGASA
On Thursday, June 5, PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said light to moderate rains will persist in the northern and western sections of Luzon, brought by the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat.”
Meanwhile, scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected over Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Soccsksargen due to the ITCZ, a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, leading to the formation of rain-bearing clouds.
Estareja added that a low pressure area (LPA) may develop over the Philippine Sea, east of the country, between Friday and Sunday, June 6 and 8.
If it forms, the LPA could bring more rain showers to Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga Region this long weekend.
The LPA may also enhance the habagat, which could result in cloudy skies and scattered rain showers over the western sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Areas that may be affected include Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, Soccsksargen, and Northern Mindanao.
The rest of Luzon and Mindanao will experience partly cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms during the forecast period.
Estareja advised the public, especially those with travel plans this long weekend, to monitor weather updates and prepare for possible flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas.
The long weekend is due to the observance of Eid’l Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, on Friday, which has been declared a regular holiday nationwide.