The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, Oct. 31, advised cemetery visitors to bring rain protection as millions of Filipinos observe “Undas” nationwide. Several regions are expected to experience cloudy skies and rain, with weather systems affecting large parts of the country.
According to the state weather bureau, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to affect Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, increasing the likelihood of rains across many areas.
“Unahin po natin itong Intertropical Convergence Zone o ITCZ na siyang nakakaapekto particular na sa may Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said.
He said the system will bring mostly cloudy skies with rain over Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), SOCCSKSARGEN, Davao Region, Lanao del Norte, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
“Inaasahan po natin malaking posibilidad na maulap na kalangitan na may mga pag-ulan,” he said.
“Kaya sa mga kababayan po natin lalong-lalo ngayon po ay non-special working holiday, kung dadalaw po kayo sa inyong mga mahal na yumao sa mga sementeryo mainam na magdala po tayo ng pananggalang sa ulan,” he added.
Badrina said the shear line, or the convergence of cold and warm air, will likewise bring cloudy skies with rain over Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora provinces.
“Ito po ‘yung may pagka malamig na hangin na magdadala rin ng maulap na kalangitan na may mga pag-ulan,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the agency said northeast monsoon or amihan has begun to prevail in the country and is expected to bring light rains over Batanes and nearby islands.
For the rest of the country, including Ilocos Region, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Eastern and Central Visayas, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao, PAGASA said localized thunderstorms are expected, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
LPA MONITORED
Badrina said the agency is also monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) located about 1,600 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao, which remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as of Friday morning.
“Sa ngayon po ay hindi pa natin inaasahan na magiging bagyo within the day,. pero possible po pagdating ng araw ng Linggo hanggang Lunes possible itong maging isang bagyo papasok ito ng Philippine Area of Responsibility,” he said.
Should the weather disturbance intensify into a tropical depression, Badrina said it could bring widespread rains over the eastern sections of Visayas, Mindanao, and Southern Luzon early next week. (Jel Santos)
