The southwest monsoon or “habagat” continues to affect the western sections of Northern and Central Luzon on Sunday, Sept. 7, but is expected to weaken in the coming days, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said the impact of the habagat will likely decrease throughout the week.

In its place, the easterlies or the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) may begin to affect the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao.

ITCZ is the convergence of winds from the northern and southern hemispheres, while the easterlies are warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean.

As of PAGASA’s Sunday forecast, the chance of a low-pressure area (LPA) developing or entering the PAR this week remains low, Badrina added.

On Monday, Sept. 8, cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected over Caraga and Davao Region.

From Tuesday to Friday, Sept. 9 to 12, fair weather is expected to persist in the country, although isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may still occur in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant against possible flash floods and landslides, especially during moderate to heavy rainfall or severe thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorms typically last up to two hours and are often accompanied by sudden heavy rains, lightning, thunder, strong gusts of wind, and occasionally hail.