By El Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — It will be another day of mixed weather across the Philippines, with sunny intervals likely in some areas but rain showers and thunderstorms expected to interrupt outdoor activities in many parts of the country today and tomorrow.
PAGASA said the ITCZ continues to influence the weather over the southern and central sections of the country, producing cloudy skies, scattered rains and thunderstorms over several areas.
On Monday, Sept. 28, the Visayas and portions of Mindanao are expected to see more unsettled conditions. Caraga, Northern Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan are also likely to experience periods of rain and thunderstorms.
Metro Manila and much of Luzon may generally have partly cloudy to cloudy skies, although isolated rain showers or thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, particularly later in the day.
The weather bureau’s outlook for Tuesday, Sept. 29, shows little change. Caraga, Northern Mindanao and most of the Visayas are expected to remain under cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.
Elsewhere in the country, partly cloudy to cloudy conditions will prevail, with isolated showers or thunderstorms expected mainly in the afternoon and evening.
The forecast means that commuters and travelers should not be lulled into a false sense of security by sunny morning conditions. Rain-producing clouds can develop quickly, particularly after several hours of daytime heating.
Thunderstorms may also produce brief periods of intense rain accompanied by lightning and strong wind gusts. Localized flooding is possible in areas where drainage is poor or where heavy rainfall persists.
PAGASA’s latest weekly outlook also indicates that another weather disturbance may influence the country later in the week, potentially increasing cloudiness and rain over parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the weather agency has warned that the country is entering a period in which the effects of a developing El Niño could become increasingly important. PAGASA said a Strong El Niño is active and is expected to intensify into a Very Strong El Niño during the September-to-December period, with effects potentially extending into the first half of 2027.
Despite the broader risk of below-normal rainfall associated with El Niño, PAGASA stressed that short periods of heavy rain can still occur because of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones.
For the public, the practical message remains simple: prepare for both heat and rain. Keep rain gear available, stay updated on local advisories and avoid crossing flooded roads or waterways during heavy downpours.
ia/xf
