By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — While generally fair weather is expected over much of the country, several areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao may experience scattered rains and thunderstorms on Thursday as the Easterlies continue to affect the Philippine archipelago.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that periods of moderate to heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable communities.
Among the areas likely to experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will generally have partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.
In Northern Luzon, the Northeast Monsoon or Amihan is bringing cloudy skies with light rains over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands. Isolated light rains may also affect the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region and the rest of Cagayan Valley.
PAGASA advised residents, especially those living near rivers, waterways and landslide-prone communities, to remain alert and follow local disaster preparedness advisories.
Light to moderate winds from the northeast to east are expected across the country, while coastal waters will generally be slight to moderate.
The weather bureau also reported that no tropical cyclone was being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of early Thursday morning.
Residents are encouraged to monitor succeeding PAGASA bulletins as weather conditions may change throughout the day.
ia/xf
