Monsoon Rains Threaten Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao

Tropical Cyclone Looms as Habagat Intensifies

Heavy rainfall and potential flooding are forecast across a large swath of the Philippines as the Southwest Monsoon, known locally as Habagat, continues to bring unsettled weather. A separate tropical cyclone is also being monitored, adding to concerns for the region.

Monsoon Impacts and Warnings

The state weather bureau reports that significant monsoon rains are expected in Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique. Residents in these areas should prepare for possible flash floods and landslides due to moderate to heavy, and at times intense, precipitation.

Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Caraga, Davao Region, Pangasinan, and the remainder of Visayas, Central Luzon, and Mimaropa will experience cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Moderate to heavy rains could also trigger flash floods and landslides in these provinces.

The rest of Mindanao will see partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated showers or thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms could still lead to localized flooding. Luzon’s remaining areas will have similar conditions, with the risk of flash floods during intense storms.

Coastal Conditions and Wind Forecasts

Moderate to strong winds moving southwestward will affect the western sections of Southern Luzon and Visayas, resulting in moderate to rough seas. Mariners are advised to exercise caution.

Northern and Central Luzon will experience light to moderate winds from the southwest to southeast, with slight to moderate coastal waters. The rest of the country will have light to moderate winds from the southwest to south, and slight to moderate coastal waters.

Sunrise today is at 5:27 a.m., and sunset will occur at 6:25 p.m.

According to the Statista, the Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Preparedness is crucial during monsoon season.

Tropical Cyclone Update

As of 3 a.m. today, a tropical cyclone was located 610 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales. It currently has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 70 kph, and is moving slowly in an east-southeast direction. Authorities are closely monitoring its path.