The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, March 24 said the northeast monsoon or “amihan” will gradually weaken, allowing the easterlies to take over and bring warmer temperatures to a large part of the country in the coming days.
PAGASA weather specialist Rhea Torres said that while the northeast monsoon is still prevailing and is expected to bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains to Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley over the next 24 hours, its effects are gradually weakening.
Moreover, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms may prevail over Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)—a weather system in which winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge and form rain-bearing clouds.
The easterlies will also bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Romblon, and Palawan.
PAGASA warned of the possibility of flash floods or landslides due to “moderate to at times heavy rains” in areas affected by the ITCZ and easterlies.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.
The public is advised to remain vigilant as severe thunderstorms could also trigger flash floods or landslides, especially in areas vulnerable to these hazards.