The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday, January 3, said there is no low-pressure area (LPA) being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), but three prevailing weather systems will continue to affect the country, bringing cloudy skies and varying intensities of rainfall.

PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said the northeast monsoon or amihan remains dominant over Luzon, while easterlies are influencing Mindanao. The interaction between the cold winds of the amihan and the easterlies has resulted in the formation of a shear line, which is currently affecting parts of the Visayas and Palawan.

“Walang mino-monitor na low-pressure area sa labas o loob ng ating Philippine Area of Responsibility, pero meron tayong tatlong weather systems na inaasahang makaaapekto sa bansa—ang northeast monsoon o amihan sa Luzon, easterlies sa Mindanao, at ang shear line na kasalukuyang nakaaapekto sa Visayas at Palawan (There is no low-pressure area being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, but we have three weather systems expected to affect the country—the northeast monsoon or amihan in Luzon, easterlies in Mindanao, and the shear line currently affecting the Visayas and Palawan),” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said that due to these weather systems, cloudy skies are expected nationwide, with areas experiencing light to heavy rainfall depending on location.

“Dahil dito sa tatlong weather systems na ito, mataas ang tsansa na magiging maulap ang ating papawirin sa buong bansa ngayong araw at iba’t ibang intensity ng ulan ang kanilang mararanasan (Because of these three weather systems, there is a high chance that skies across the country will be cloudy today, and varying intensities of rainfall will be experienced),” she added.

PAGASA said the Visayas, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Palawan will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms due to the shear line.

The state weather bureau warned of possible flash floods or landslides, especially in flood-prone and mountainous areas, as rainfall may become moderate to at times heavy.

The northeast monsoon will bring cloudy skies with rains over the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon, the rest of Mimaropa, and the rest of the Bicol Region.

PAGASA said these areas may also face flash floods or landslides due to persistent moderate to heavy rains.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have cloudy skies with light rains caused by the amihan, with no significant weather impacts expected.

PAGASA said Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to easterlies.

Residents in the region were advised to remain cautious, as moderate to heavy rains may trigger localized flash floods or landslides.

PAGASA urged the public to stay updated with official weather advisories, remain alert for possible hazards, and take precautionary measures, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides.