The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the shear line and easterlies continue to affect weather conditions in different parts of the country, bringing cloudy skies and scattered rain showers in several areas.
Weather specialist Rhea Torres said that the shear line, which is caused by the convergence of cold and warm air masses, is still affecting parts of northern and central Luzon.
“Kung makikita po natin dito sa ating latest na satellite image, may mga kumpul pa rin pong kaulapan na namamataan. Dulot po ‘yon ng epekto ng shearline o ‘yung pagsasalubong ng malamig at mainit na hangin. Kaya asahan po natin na ilang bahagi ng Luzon ay makakaranas pa rin ng makulimlim na panahon na may kasamang kalat-kalat na mga pag-ulan,” said Torres.
She also noted that the easterlies, or warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, are influencing weather conditions in the southern parts of the country, particularly in Mindanao and the southern portion of Eastern Visayas.
Despite the presence of rain in some regions, most parts of the country will still experience generally fair weather.
She also confirmed that there are no low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
“Sa ngayon po, wala din tayong binabantayan na LPA o bagyo sa loob at labas ng ating Philippine Area of Responsibility,” she stated.
Torres added that in the coming days, the northeast monsoon, which is currently affecting extreme northern Luzon, will gradually weaken, allowing the easterlies to dominate most parts of the country.
Several areas in Luzon, including Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the eastern sections of Central Luzon, such as Aurora, Quezon, Camarines provinces, Catanduanes, and Albay, will continue to experience scattered rain showers, thunderstorms, and lightning due to the effects of the shear line.
For the rest of Luzon, partly cloudy to cloudy skies will prevail, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
In Visayas and Mindanao, Torres said that Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region, and SOCCSKSARGEN will likely experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the influence of the easterlies.
“For the rest of Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao, partly cloudy to cloudy conditions din po tayo. At kung may mga pag-ulan man, ay dulot po ito ng mga isolated na thunderstorms o mga biglaang pagbuhos ng ulan, mas madalas din pong nararanasan sa hapon o sa gabi,” aniya.
PAGASA also released its temperature forecast for key cities across the country.
In Luzon, temperatures will range from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila, 16 to 25 degrees Celsius in Baguio, 23 to 31 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao, 31 degrees Celsius in Puerto Princesa, and 31 degrees Celsius in Legazpi and Tagaytay.
Torres also reported the highest recorded heat index from March 9, noting that Dagupan City in Pangasinan experienced the highest temperature at 44 degrees Celsius, followed by Virac, Catanduanes, at 43 degrees Celsius and Puerto Princesa, Palawan, at 41 degrees Celsius.
“Ayon po sa ating pagtaya kahapon o calculated or computed heat index kahapon, yung heat index values po na naranasan dito sa Metro Manila kahapon, ay umabot ng 35 hanggang 36 degrees Celsius. At para naman sa buong bansa, yung pinakamataas po na na-record ay dito po sa Dagupan City, Pangasinan, na umabot po ng 44 degrees Celsius heat index,” said Torres.
She also mentioned that today’s forecasted heat index in Metro Manila will range from 34 to 36 degrees Celsius, while the highest expected heat index nationwide may reach 41 degrees Celsius in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, and Cuyo, Palawan.
“Ngayong araw naman po, ayon po sa ating forecast, for Metro Manila, yung heat index values po natin ay aabot ng 34 hanggang 36 degrees Celsius. At yung pinakamataas naman pong inaasahan natin ng heat index ngayong araw sa buong bansa, ay maaaring maranasan sa San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, pati na rin po sa Cuyo, Palawan, maaaring umabot ng 41 degrees Celsius,” she added.
Torres also provided an update on the country’s coastal conditions, saying that while there are no gale warnings, moderate to rough sea conditions are expected in the coastal waters of northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of the region.
