The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather advisory, warning of possible bad weather in parts of the country as a tropical depression approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The tropical depression, currently located 620 kilometers south of Kalayaan, Palawan, has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts of up to 70 km/h. It is moving north-northeast at 20 km/h and is expected to enter PAR within 24 hours, where it will be named “Rumina.” This weather disturbance could bring heavy rains, particularly in southern regions, disrupting holiday plans.
The tropical depression’s trough is already affecting some areas, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to the Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Moderate to heavy rainfall in these regions poses risks of flash floods and landslides.
Meanwhile, the shear line and northeast monsoon (amihan) are expected to bring adverse weather to other areas:
- Visayas, Bicol Region, Calabarzon, and the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Dinagat Islands will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms. Flash floods and landslides are possible due to intense rains.
- Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Central Luzon will have cloudy skies with monsoon rains, with similar risks of flooding and landslides.
- The rest of Luzon will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains due to the monsoon, with no significant impacts expected.
- The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, with localized flooding possible during severe thunderstorms.
Coastal conditions and travel warnings
- Strong winds and rough seas (waves up to 4.5 meters) are expected in Northern Luzon and the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon.
- Moderate to rough seas (waves up to 3.7 meters) will affect the Visayas, the rest of Luzon, and northeastern Mindanao. PAGASA advises coastal communities and seafarers to remain cautious.
PAGASA reminds the public to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides. Those traveling for the holidays are advised to monitor weather updates and prepare for possible disruptions. The agency assures the public of ongoing monitoring and timely updates as the situation develops.
