Pagasa: Expect light rains to persist

The light rains and rain showers that greeted the New Year in the country will continue in the first few days of 2016.

The northeast monsoon and the tail-end of a cold front that have lately ushered in chilly weather will continue to bring isolated light rains over Luzon, the state weather bureau said.

The Visayas and Mindanao can also expect isolated rain showers and thunderstorms until Monday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa reported light rains fell over Luzon on New Year’s Eve due to the northeast monsoon.

On the first day of 2016, the isolated light rains continued as the tail-end of a cold front affected the eastern section of central and southern Luzon, while the northeast monsoon prevailed over northern Luzon.

The Visayas and Mindanao had isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

In its weekly forecast,

Pagasa said such weather will hold until Jan. 4.

The northeast monsoon, which brings dry, cold winds, usually peaks in January and February, making them the coldest months of the year.

Meanwhile, gale warning remained up over northern Luzon due to the surge of the northeast monsoon.

Pagasa said the seas around northern Luzon would be rough to very rough.

It advised fishing boats and small vessels not to venture out and  alerted larger sea vessels against big waves.

No weather disturbance is expected in the first few days of the year.