Rain in parts of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao to persist Jan 18

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) says rain will persist in parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao on Saturday, January 18, 2025, as the northeast monsoon, shear line, and easterlies continue to affect the county’s weather. Satellite image from Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Rain will persist in parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao on Saturday, January 18, as the northeast monsoon, shear line, and easterlies continue to affect the county’s weather.

In a bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said the eastern section of Luzon has a high chance of cloudy skies and rains due to the shear line – the area where cold winds from the northeast monsoon, locally termed amihan, clash with warm winds from the Pacific Ocean or easterlies.

Pagasa specialist Grace Castañeda said in a Saturday morning weathercast that the shear line continues to prevail over the eastern portion of Central and Southern Luzon. She said the shear line is forecast anticipated to bring rains to the eastern part of Luzon on Saturday.

READ: 3 weather systems to bring rains in most parts of PH

Overcast skies, rains, lightning, and thunder were predicted to occur in Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, and Camarines Norte provinces, Castañeda noted.

Castañeda also reported that the northeast monsoon and easterlies will influence atmospheric conditions in the rest of Northern and Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, respectively.

“Although the northeast monsoon slightly weakened, it still has effects in Northern Luzon and remaining portions of Central Luzon,” she explained in mixed Filipino and English.

Metro Manila and Cagayan Valley, as well as Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province may expect cloudy skies with light rains on Saturday, she added.

Mimaropa and the rest of Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies and isolated rain showers, she likewise said.

However, Castañeda warned: “It is still possible for these rains to be moderate to heavy.”

READ: Pagasa says no cyclone, LPA to affect PH in next few days

Pagasa maintained that no low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones were being monitored within and outside the Philippine area of responsibility.

It also did not raise any gale warning over the country’s seaboards.

“However, still take extra precaution for those who plan to sail off Northern Luzon, as well as the eastern portion of Central and Southern Luzon, because sea conditions may be moderate to rough,” Castañeda advised.