By el Amigo
MANILA — The enhanced southwest monsoon or Habagat will continue to bring rains and strong winds over large parts of the Philippines today, Monday, August 31, and tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA said monsoon rains are expected over the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales and Bataan, while occasional rains may affect Metro Manila, the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro.
Other areas may experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, with isolated thunderstorms possible in some localities.
PAGASA also warned that the enhanced Habagat could trigger flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying, flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas. Heavy rainfall warnings were already in effect in several parts of Northern and Central Luzon on Monday morning.
Strong to gale-force wind gusts may also affect most of the country today. Tomorrow, these winds are expected to persist over most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as several provinces in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Pilandok remains far east of extreme Northern Luzon and is forecast to move generally north-northwestward. PAGASA said the cyclone is unlikely to make landfall in the Philippines, although it could briefly intensify into a tropical storm on Tuesday.
Pilandok is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday.
PAGASA nevertheless advised residents, particularly those in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides, to remain alert and closely monitor local weather advisories.
Sea travel also remains risky in several western and northern coastal areas due to rough to very rough seas, with waves reaching up to 4.5 meters in portions of the Babuyan Islands.
ia/xf
