Rains likely to persist this week

THE Philippines will see changing weather patterns this week as a shear line and the northeast monsoon take turns influencing rainfall across the archipelago, according to the state weather bureau on Sunday.

Rain is likely to persist through Monday and Tuesday in the eastern sections of Northern Luzon, where the interaction between cool northeasterly winds and warm easterlies may bring cloudy skies, scattered showers and thunderstorms, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Areas including Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Quezon are expected to see the heaviest precipitation early in the week, while much of the rest of Luzon — including Metro Manila — will likely experience generally fair weather punctuated by isolated thunderstorms.

PAGASA said a transition by midweek as the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, is forecast to re-intensify from Tuesday through Thursday, potentially expanding rain coverage across a larger part of the country.

It noted this could bring cooler air and renewed rainfall in northern and central areas, while eastern Mindanao may also see scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

No tropical cyclones or low-pressure areas are currently being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility, limiting the risk of severe storm-related disruptions for the week.

Marine conditions are also expected to remain relatively stable, with no gale warnings raised over the country’s seaboards as of the latest advisory. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana