Heavy rains batter Bicol; summer storm brewing off Eastern Mindanao

MTSAT ENHANCED IR Satellite Image for 02:32 A.M. PST

MANILA, Philippines—A low pressure area off eastern Mindanao will bring rains to the region although it is not expected to escalate into a cyclone, the weather bureau said on Monday.

A number of flights to and from Legazpi City and Masbate province were canceled Monday due to bad weather.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the low pressure area would bring moderate to heavy rains to Mindanao.

“Residents living in low-lying areas and along mountain slopes are advised to be on alert for possible occurrence of flash floods and landslides,” Pagasa said.

Pagasa said the eastern seaboard of Luzon, particularly the Bicol region, would have widespread rains and thunderstorms.

The Manila International Airport Authority said Cebu Pacific canceled Flights 5J-323 and 5J-324, or flights from Manila to Legazpi City and back.  Also called off were Air Philippines Flight 2P 926 coming from Legazpi; and Zest Air Flights Z2 260 going to Masbate and its return flight, Z2 261.

Pagasa said the country would have warmer and humid weather in the next few days, with maximum temperatures in the low 30s Celsius for the rest of the week.

On Monday, the highest daytime temperature was recorded at noon at 32.1 degrees Celsius. Kristine L. Alave and Tina G. Santos