Overcast skies, rain to persist in many parts of Luzon due to habagat

MANILA, Philippines — Before the weather starts to improve Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said cloudy skies and rain showers will continue in many parts of Luzon Tuesday night due to the prevailing southwest monsoon.

According to its Tuesday afternoon weather update, Pagasa said isolated thunderstorms may be experienced in Luzon’s western side, especially in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, parts of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon.

However, by tomorrow, August 12, the rest of Luzon, along with Visayas and Mindanao, will start to feel generally fair weather – albeit occasional light rains – as the effects of the southwest monsoon or habagat may no longer reach these areas, according to Pagasa.

It also noted that cyclones outside the country — Tropical Storm Mekkhala (formerly Ferdie) and a tropical depression at the far east of Luzon — have no more direct effect on the country’s climate.

Metro Manila and Legazpi will have temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C and Laoag, 24°C to 30°C on Wednesday, the state weather bureau said, while Cebu and Iloilo will experience 26°C to 32°C, and Davao and Cagayan de Oro, a temperature peak at 34°C.

Gale warnings all over the country have been lifted but sea conditions at Luzon’s northern tip and eastern side would be moderate to rough, while it would be moderate in the shores of Central Luzon, eastern Cagayan Valley, Palawan, and the Visayas.

This means that boat transfer operators and fisherfolk can already set sail.

KGA