Widespread, heavier rains expected today in Metro Manila, most of Luzon

Metro Manila and most of Luzon could see widespread and heavier rains today as the low pressure area (LPA) east of the country could possibly intensify

while moving toward Central Luzon.

“Any time today (June 11), the LPA will develop into a tropical depression and will be called ‘Butchoy’,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Raymond Ordinario said.

The LPA was 110 kilometers (km) northwest of Virac, Catanduanes or 65 km east-northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte around 10 a.m. Thursday, and was already bringing moderate to heavy rains to the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.

Ordinario said there is a likelihood that the weather disturbance will traverse Central and Northern Luzon by weekend.

“Scattered to widespread rains mostly on the eastern part (of the country) are due to the LPA, while rains on the western side are from the southwesterly wind flow. It is possible that the LPA will further enhance the monsoon that will affect us until the weekend,” he added.

The moisture-laden southwesterly wind flow has been affecting Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila since Wednesday evening, he said.

Rainy conditions may persist across Northern, Central, and Southern Luzon, as well as Metro Manila until Saturday, while the Bicol Region will have improved weather conditions by weekend.

Gradual improvement in weather conditions are seen in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon by Sunday.

Ordinario said that scattered to widespread rains may still affect most of Visayas due to the southwesterly wind flow on Friday. As the LPA progresses, rains from the southwesterly winds will be concentrated over the western section of Visayas this weekend.

Meanwhile, rains from the enhanced southwesterly wind flow may persist across several areas in Mindanao until Sunday.

Flood advisories Ordinario warned the public on possible floods and rain-induced landslides that may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.

As of Thursday morning, PAGASA has issued general flood advisories for Central Luzon, Region 4-A, Region 4-B, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga Region.

A flood advisory was also issued for mainstream Upper Marikina River, Lower Marikina River, Pasig River, and Tullahan River, and for tributaries Mango River, Nangka River, and San Juan River.

“People living near the mountain slopes and in the low-lying areas of the river systems and the local disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned are advised to be alert for possible flash floods,” PAGASA said.

It said that local flooding is also possible in other areas due to poor drainage systems and impounding water.

The weather bureau has not yet issued a gale warning but Ordinario

already advised fisherfolk and those using small sea craft not to venture into the seaboards of Bicol Region and Quezon province due to the approaching potential cyclone.

“Moderate to rough seas with 1.2 to 3.4 meters wave height will be experienced over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon in the next 24 hours due to this weather disturbance. Those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out to sea,” PAGASA advised.

He said that tropical cyclone wind signals may be hoisted immediately in the initial severe weather bulletin once the LPA develops into a tropical depression.

Onset of rainy season

The rainy season is almost here as the LPA continues to enhance the moisture-laden southwesterly wind flow that could trigger the start of wet season in the country in the coming days.

Two criteria have to be satisfied for the declaration of the official onset of the rainy season in the country. These are: a total rainfall amount of 25 millimeters (mm) or more with three consecutive days having at least 1 mm of rainfall per day in at least seven out of 14 stations monitored by PAGASA; and the prevailing winds should have westerly components over the western Philippines relative to the rain-associated weather patterns.

In 2019, the onset of southwest monsoon or “habagat” season was officially declared on June 14.