Easterlies, ITCZ to bring rain over several areas on June 18; 'habagat' may return this weekend — PAGASA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said rain will affect several areas on Wednesday, June 18 due to the easterlies and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), while the southwest monsoon, locally known as the “habagat,” is expected to return this weekend.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said the Low-Pressure Area, which was monitored earlier in the week, dissipated early Wednesday morning.
However, the easterlies and ITCZ are expected to continue to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over some parts of the country.
Areas affected by the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, are Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Oriental Mindoro, and Marinduque.
Meanwhile, the ITCZ, a weather system formed by the convergence of winds, will bring rain over Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and Tawi-Tawi.
Estareja said the ITCZ will continue to bring intermittent rain and thunderstorms over Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan until Saturday, June 21, while Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will see improving weather on Thursday, June 19.
The habagat, which is expected to strengthen over the weekend, will likely increase the chances of rain over Metro Manila, Bicol Region, Southern Luzon, and Central Luzon starting on Saturday.
Estareja advised the public to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides, especially during moderate to heavy rainfall or severe thunderstorms.