Despite the absence of any low-pressure area (LPA), three weather systems will continue to bring rains over parts of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sunday, Jan. 4.

PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said there is currently no LPA being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), and the likelihood of a tropical cyclone developing this week remains low.

“Wala po tayong mino-monitor na low-pressure area sa loob at labas ng ating Philippine Area of Responsibility. Maliit pa ‘yung posibilidad na magkaroon tayo ng bagyo at least for this week (We are not monitoring any low-pressure area inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The possibility of having a typhoon, at least for this week, remains low),” he said.

However, Badrina said three weather systems are simultaneously affecting the country and are expected to trigger rainfall over several regions.

“Tatlong weather systems po ang nakakaapekto ngayon sa ating bansa. Ang northeast monsoon or amihan partikular na rito sa may Hilaga at Gitnang Luzon habang nakakaranas naman po ng pag-ulan ang ilang bahagi lalo na ‘yung Southern Luzon at Kabisayaan dulot naman nitong shear line, nakakaapekto po ito sa may Kabisayaan hanggang Palawan habang ‘yung easterlies ang prevailing weather system naman sa may bahagi ng Mindanao (Three weather systems are currently affecting our country. The northeast monsoon or amihan is affecting Northern and Central Luzon, while some areas—particularly Southern Luzon and the Visayas—are experiencing rains due to the shear line, which is affecting areas from the Visayas to Palawan, while the easterlies are the prevailing weather system over parts of Mindanao),” he said.

The weather specialist warned that rains will persist over large portions of the country, particularly the Bicol Region and the Visayas, due to the continued influence of the shear line.

“Maulan po rito sa malaking bahagi lalo na sa Bicol Region at sa Kabisayaan kaya ibayong pag-iingat po dahil inaasahan nating magpapatuloy po ang mga pag-ulan na ito na dulot nga ng shear line hanggang bukas kaya posible pa rin ‘yung flash floods and landslides partikular sa bahagi ng Bicol Region at ng Kabisayaan (It will be rainy over large areas, especially the Bicol Region and the Visayas, so extra caution is advised because we expect these rains caused by the shear line to continue until tomorrow, making flash floods and landslides still possible, particularly in the Bicol Region and the Visayas),” said Badrina.

PAGASA advised residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, closely monitor official weather advisories, and take precautionary measures as rains continue despite the absence of an LPA.