Tuesday will bring fair weather conditions throughout Palawan, with the possibility of scattered rain showers in some areas, especially in the central and southern parts of the province in the afternoon, the state weather bureau reported.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Benison Estareja attributed the prevailing conditions to the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, which continue to influence large parts of the country.
Although the forecast indicates that no low-pressure systems or tropical cyclones are anticipated to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) until the week’s conclusion, the easterlies could still induce localized thunderstorms and unexpected heavy rainfall.
“Sa ating mga kababayan sa may Palawan, fair weather conditions ang iiral. Madalas maaliwalas ang panahon pagsapit ng umaga at sasamahan lamang ng mga pulu-pulong pag-ulan sa may central and southern portion pagsapit ng hapon,” Estareja said.
He said partly overcast to cloudy skies are predicted throughout much of Luzon, including Mindoro provinces, Metro Manila, and Calabarzon, therefore the good weather forecast for Palawan is in line with that trend.
The Bicol Region, Marinduque, Romblon, and Quezon province are located in southern Luzon and are expected to have moderate to heavy rainfall. This might lead to an increased likelihood of flash floods and landslides, according to the prediction.
Estareja also noted in his report that daytime temperatures are also on the rise, with Baguio City expected to have lower temperatures of 17 to 27 degrees Celsius and Metro Manila recording air temperatures between 25 and 34 degrees Celsius.
The severe caution category, which alerts people to the possibility of heat-related ailments such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, was applied to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on Monday when the heat index hit 40 degrees Celsius.
“Sa may Puerto Princesa City, umabot sa 40 degrees Celsius ang heat index kahapon, kaya’t nasa extreme caution level ito. Ibig sabihin, posible ang heat exhaustion o heat stroke kaya mainam na mag-ingat sa matinding init,” Estareja added.
The Visayas and Mindanao areas, on the other hand, are expected to see a range of weather conditions. The Eastern Visayas, Northern Samar, and some sections of Mindanao, including Caraga, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro, are expected to have a greater likelihood of precipitation due to the approaching easterlies.
Estareja urged locals to drink plenty of water, dress in light-colored clothes, and keep out of the sun for as long as possible, particularly in regions that are hot.
According to Tuesday’s heat index prediction, Metro Manila will continue to see high temperatures, with Pasay City and Quezon City projected to hit 38 and 39 degrees Celsius, respectively, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. In Dagupan City, Pangasinan, dangerous heat index readings of up to 42 degrees Celsius are also anticipated.
Four-day forecast
Meanwhile, Estareja added that the four-day weather forecast from PAGASA shows that the easterlies will keep most of the country under their influence until midweek, when the northeast monsoon (amihan) will make its way back to Northern and Central Luzon.
Over the course of the next four days, Palawan is expected to have weather that is usually comfortable. On Wednesday, March 5, the province will have clear skies in the morning, but in the afternoon, there will be isolated thunderstorms in the central and southern regions of the province throughout the afternoon. A temperature range of 26 to 34 degrees Celsius is expected.
On Thursday, March 6, the weather will continue to be warm and humid, and there will be isolated rain showers in the afternoon as a result of the impacts of the easterlies. The temperature will persist in a range of 25 to 33 degrees Celsius.
As the moisture from the easterlies continues to rise, there will be an increase in the frequency of rain showers and isolated thunderstorms by Friday, March 7. This will be particularly true in the evening. The anticipated temperature range is between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius.
It is expected that Palawan will have largely overcast sky with sporadic thunderstorms on Saturday, March 8. This is most likely to occur in the afternoon and evening. There will be a temperature range of 25 to 31 degrees Celsius.
Metro Manila and Luzon will see generally clear sky and scorching daytime temperatures all week. PAGASA predicts warm weather with afternoon thunderstorms on Wednesday, March 5. Baguio City will be colder at 17–27°C than Metro Manila at 25–34°C.
The northeast monsoon will return on Thursday, March 6, bringing colder temperatures and mild precipitation to Northern and Central Luzon, especially Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Batanes. Metro Manila and much of Central Luzon will stay hot and dry.
A shear line will bring overcast skies and light rains to Cagayan Valley, Aurora, and Quezon province by Friday, March 7, while the remainder of Luzon will remain warm and humid with intermittent rain showers.
Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon will have milder temperatures on Saturday, March 8, while Bicol, Marinduque, and Quezon Province may get afternoon thunderstorms.
On Wednesday, March 5, the Eastern Visayas region, comprising Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Leyte, is expected to have increased precipitation. In contrast, the remaining areas of Western and Central Visayas, including Iloilo, Bacolod, and Cebu, will likely see partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated afternoon thunderstorms.
He said that on Thursday, March 6, the majority of Western and Central Visayas is expected to experience dry and warm conditions, whereas Eastern Visayas will continue to face the possibility of scattered thunderstorms.
On Friday, March 7, an increased probability of rainfall is expected in Leyte, Samar, and Biliran, whereas other regions of the Visayas will experience partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures.
On Saturday, March 8, the Visayas region will predominantly experience warm and humid conditions; however, afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms are expected, especially in southern Leyte and Eastern Samar.
Due to the easterlies, Mindanao, Caraga, and Davao Oriental will get sporadic rain showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday, March 5, while the rest of the area will have partly overcast to cloudy sky with isolated afternoon thunderstorms.
The afternoon and evening of Thursday, March 6, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Zamboanga Peninsula will get more thunderstorms.
Estareja said frequent rain showers across Eastern and Southern Mindanao, including Davao City, Davao de Oro, and Caraga Region, could increase the danger of floods and landslides on Friday, March 7.
Northern Mindanao, Bukidnon, and Zamboanga Peninsula will have generally overcast sky on Saturday, March 8, while Davao and Caraga will have sporadic thunderstorms.
Currently, there are no gale warnings in effect, which indicates that the majority of coastal waters are suitable for maritime activities and fisheries. Nevertheless, the northeast monsoon is anticipated to reappear by Wednesday night, resulting in moderate to turbulent sea conditions in extreme Northern Luzon by Thursday.
