The state weather agency, DOST-PAGASA, warned the public to take extra precautions and prepare for continuous rains in the next two to three days. This is due to the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) and two low-pressure areas (LPAs) that may develop into tropical cyclones.
According to Engr. Christopher Perez, chief of the Weather Forecasting Section of DOST-PAGASA, “Our reminder continues. Even though we no longer have a typhoon, the enhanced Habagat is still there, and the two low-pressure areas could become typhoons, which will further intensify the Habagat in the next two to three days.”
PAGASA expects cloudy skies and scattered monsoon rains over most parts of Luzon, particularly the western section, until Friday. Perez explained that the two weather systems, which could potentially develop into tropical cyclones, have been intensifying the enhanced Habagat and causing continuous rainfall.
An Orange Rainfall Warning has been raised in Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Rizal. This means possible flooding, especially in flood-prone areas. “When we have an orange rainfall warning, it means that flooding is still present because we have seen truly intense rainfall during the past few days,” Perez added.
Meanwhile, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna are under a Yellow Rainfall Warning. The Visayas PAGASA Regional Services Division also issued a warning about possible flooding in Occidental Mindoro. Rainfall will also continue in Palawan, some parts of Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique. In Northern Luzon, a high yellow rainfall warning was issued in Pangasinan.
Everyone is encouraged to monitor official updates from PAGASA, especially regarding the possibility of the LPAs developing into typhoons. “We may release an update regarding the low-pressure if it becomes a typhoon, either this afternoon or tonight, so let’s all await that update,” Perez reminded.
The public is advised to be prepared, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow the directives of local government units and disaster risk reduction and management councils.
