Northeast monsoon to wane, less rain likely this weekend – Pagasa

The northeast monsoon is forecast to weaken in the coming days, resulting in fewer chances of rainfall over most parts of Luzon this coming weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) says on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Weather satellite image from Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — The northeast monsoon is forecast to weaken in the coming days, resulting in fewer chances of rainfall over most of Luzon this coming weekend, state meteorologists said Thursday.

Weather expert Benison Estareja, of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said in a report that the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, will only affect parts of Northern and Central Luzon in the next three days.

“Unti-unting hihina po iyong ating northeast monsoon, so possible over the weekend, iyong Northern and Central Luzon na lamang po iyong makaka-experience ng amihan,” Estareja explained.

(Our northeast monsoon will gradually weaken, so only Northern and Central Luzon may be able to experience the northeast monsoon over the weekend.)

However, overcast skies with light rains may still prevail over Aurora, Quezon, and Bicol Region on Thursday, based on Pagasa’s 4 a.m. advisory. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon may experience cloudy skies with isolated light rains. These weather conditions, Pagasa noted, would be triggered by the northeast monsoon.

On the other hand, the trough of a low-pressure area (LPA) continues to dampen Mindanao and parts of the Visayas, according to Pagasa.

READ: Heavy rainfall warnings up in 14 Mindanao provinces

It also said that the same weather system will bring cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms to Caraga, Davao Region, and Soccksargen on Thursday.

The rest of Mindanao, Central Visayas, and Southern Leyte may experience overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms also because of the LPA’s trough.

READ: Most of PH to see rain due to northeast monsoon, LPA’s trough – Pagasa

Pagasa said residents in these areas should prepare for “possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate and, at times, heavy rains.”

Estareja, however, explained that the LPA, located 195 kilometers southwest of General Santos City and outside the Philippine area of responsibility, is unlikely to intensify into a cyclone.

Due to the diminishing northeast monsoon, Pagasa said no gale warning is issued over any coastal area in the country.