The effects of the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” may weaken this weekend—a reprieve from the rains that have affected parts of the country over the past few days, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, June 11.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said that before it weakens, the habagat may continue to bring moderate to heavy rainfall (between 50 to 100 millimeters) over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro on Independence Day, June 12 (Thursday).
He explained that 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall is roughly equivalent to four to eight pails of water poured over one square meter of land in a single day.
This volume can trigger flash floods and landslides in high-risk areas, thus the public is advised to remain vigilant, especially during periods of heavy rainfall, Estareja pointed out.
Meanwhile, scattered light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila, as well as the rest of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas.
By Friday, June 13, Estareja said the habagat is expected to gradually weaken but may still bring scattered light to moderate rains over the northern and western sections of Luzon.
From Saturday to Sunday, June 14 to 15, improved weather is expected across Luzon, although brief rain showers and thunderstorms may still occur, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Estareja also noted that PAGASA is monitoring a cloud cluster over the Philippine Sea, east of the country, for possible development into a low-pressure area within the next two days.
As of Wednesday, the cloud cluster is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone, though PAGASA will continue to monitor it for any potential changes, he added.