Most of PH would still have hot weather, but ITCZ to affect Mindanao

This file photo shows a woman covering her face under the scorching heat of the sun while walking along the financical district of Makati suburban Manila. (Photo by JOEL NITO / AFP FILE)

MANILA, Philippines — A huge part of the country including Metro Manila will continue to experience hot and humid weather while rains may prevail in southern portion due to cloud bands brought by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).

Weather updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Monday afternoon showed clouds were spotted over eastern and southern portions of Mindanao, particularly Caraga Region, Davao Regions, and Soccsksargen.

Isolated rains and thunderstorms are seen to occur in the said areas, while scattered rain showers may also be experienced in Luzon, particularly the southern parts due to the high moisture content brought by the easterlies.

For Tuesday, Metro Manila and Tuguegarao are expected to have scorching temperatures of 26 to 36 degrees Celsius and 26 to 38 degrees, respectively; Laoag, Legazpi, and Puerto Princesa with 26 to 33 degrees; and Tagaytay with 24 to 33 degrees.

Pagasa, however, warned that the actual heat felt — called heat index or “init” factor — would vary from one place to another due to humidity.

“Ngayon ‘yong actual na mararamdaman ng mga kababayan natin ay posibleng pumalo ng around 39 degrees to 41 degrees Celsius, ‘yong possible computed heat index value,” senior weather specialist Chris Perez said.

(Now the actual [heat] our countrymen will feel may possibly reach around 39 degrees Celsius, the possible computed heat index value.)

“Mataas ang maximum daytime temperature sa [The maximum daytime temperature will be high in] Tuguegarao bukas […] 38 degrees Celsius, so generally as much as possible, avoid any unnecessary outdoor activity po lalo na sa pagitan ng [especially between] 12 to 3 in the afternoon,” he added.

In Visayas and Mindanao, temperatures would slightly be lower: Tacloban with 26 to 31 degrees Celsius, Cebu with 25 to 32 degrees, Iloilo with 27 to 33 degrees; Davao and Cagayan de Oro with 26 to 32 degrees, and Zamboanga with 25 to 33 degrees.

The latest wind models used by Pagasa showed that no weather disturbance or low pressure area is expected in the coming days, but Mindanao may still see rain showers in the next two to three days due to the ITCZ.  Other parts of the country may also see rains in the coming days but these would just be short and scattered occasions.

As of now, no gale warning has been raised as of now but sea condition over the entire eastern coast would be moderate, while the rest of the country’s territorial and inland seas would have a slight to moderate condition.

JPV