By el Amigo
MANILA — Filipinos should prepare for another round of rain showers and thunderstorms today and tomorrow as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to affect the country.
PAGASA said Wednesday’s weather will be generally unsettled in northern Luzon, where occasional rains are expected in the Ilocos Region, Abra and Benguet, as well as Zambales and Bataan. These areas could also experience periods of moderate to heavy rainfall.
Other parts of Luzon and Western Visayas may see cloudy skies accompanied by scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are expected in the rest of the country.
The weather pattern is expected to continue on Thursday, with rain and thunderstorms remaining possible over many areas.
PAGASA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Pilandok, which is located well east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon. The storm is forecast to move farther away and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Thursday. It is not expected to make landfall over the country.
Despite the storm’s distance, the weather bureau warned that the southwest monsoon could still produce strong to gale-force wind gusts over parts of Luzon and Visayas, as well as several provinces in Mindanao.
Residents in flood- and landslide-prone communities are advised to monitor official weather bulletins and follow instructions from local authorities. Those planning sea travel should likewise check the latest marine conditions before departure.
PAGASA said the public should remain vigilant as weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during thunderstorms and periods of heavy rainfall.
ia/xf
