Rainy Christmas Day likely, says Pagasa

A rainy Christmas Day is possible, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, due to the shear line and the northeast monsoon, which is locally known as amihan. INQUIRER.net stock image of rain

MANILA, Philippines — Brace for a wet Christmas Day, according to the state weather service, as chances of precipitation are predicted to be high until Monday, December 25.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that daily rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters may be experienced in different provinces from December 23-25 due to the shear line and the northeast monsoon, which is locally known as amihan.

In an advisory released at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Pagasa specifically mentioned Isabela, Apayao, Quirino, Aurora, the northern portion of Quezon Province, and Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, as among areas that may have a wet Christmas Day.

READ: Luzon faces rain, thunderstorms – Pagasa

But similar weather conditions will first occur in Aurora, Quezon, and mainland Cagayan, including Isabela, from Saturday, according to the state weather agency.

By Sunday, mainland Cagayan and Isabela may still see the same amount of rainfall – even in Apayao and Kalinga provinces.

READ: Pagasa: No tropical depressions seen during holidays

Pagasa warned residents and vacationers in these areas to be vigilant as flood and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in places highly susceptible to such hazards.