The shear line and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to bring heavy rains across parts of the country in the coming days, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sunday, Feb. 9.
In its forecast, PAGASA reported that while there is no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the ongoing effects of the shear line will bring widespread rain to the Bicol Region, Quezon, and Aurora.
“Magiging maulan pa rin sa malaking bahagi ng Bicol Region kasama yung Aurora, Quezon (It will remain rainy in most parts of the Bicol Region, as well as Aurora and Quezon),” PAGASA Weather Specialist Obet Badrina said.
The state weather bureau said the ITCZ, which affects the eastern part of the country, will bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to eastern Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan.
“Malaki ang tyansa ng maulang panahon dito sa may silangang bahagi ng Visayas, kasama ‘yung Mindanao at maging dito sa may bahagi ng Palawan (There is a high chance of rainy weather in the eastern Visayas, Mindanao, and even parts of Palawan),” Badrina said.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said the northeast monsoon or Amihan will cause light rains over northern and central Luzon, including Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON.
The Ilocos Region will generally have fair weather, with only isolated light rains, the agency added.
Flash floods, landslides possible
PAGASA warned residents in Bicol, Quezon, Aurora, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar to remain vigilant against possible flash floods and landslides, as moderate to heavy rains persist in these areas.
“Muli, mag-ingat po ‘yung mga kababayan natin, partikular na sa bahagi ng Bicol Region at Eastern Visayas kasama ‘yung Quezon Province sa mga banta ng biglaang pagbaha o landslides (Once again, we urge residents in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Quezon Province to be cautious of flash floods and landslides),” Badrina said.
The state weather bureau added that these rains may intensify between Sunday and Tuesday, especially in Quezon, Aurora, and the Bicol Region.
Gale warning
Due to the effects of the Amihan, PAGASA issued a gale warning over the waters of Batanes, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, Zambales, Aurora, Kalayaan Islands, Camarines Norte, parts of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar.
“May nakataas tayong gale warning sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon, kasama ang ilang bahagi ng Visayas (A gale warning is in effect for much of Luzon and parts of Visayas),” the PAGASA weather specialist said.
With this, the agency advised small vessels and fishing boats to avoid venturing out to sea due to strong waves.