Localized thunderstorms continued to affect parts of Mindanao on Saturday due to the easterlies, while most areas in Luzon and Visayas are expected to experience generally fair but hot weather, the state weather bureau said.
PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin De La Cruz-Galicia said isolated rain showers and thunderstorms may occur at any time of the day in parts of Mindanao.
“Any time of the day ay posible po yung mga pagbuhos ng ulan, mga localized lamang at mga panandalian sa ilang bahagi po ng Mindanao,” Galicia said.
She added that Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will continue to experience warm conditions, with temperatures in the capital ranging from 26°C to 36°C.
PAGASA also warned the public against possible heat-related illnesses as several areas remained under the danger level heat index category.
“Kaya patuloy nating paalala sa ating mga kababayan, mag-ingat po tayo hanggat maari iwasan ang matagal na exposure sa sunlight o direct exposure sa sunlight, lalong-lalo na sa katanggalian at hapon,” Galicia said.
Among the areas that recorded a 44°C heat index on Friday were Laoag City, Dagupan City, Cuyo in Palawan, Dumangas in Iloilo, and Butuan City.
For Saturday, PAGASA said Metro Manila may again experience a heat index of up to 42°C, while Laoag, Camiling in Tarlac, Sangley Point in Cavite, Cuyo in Palawan, Roxas City, and Dumangas may reach 44°C.
Meanwhile, a tropical cyclone outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility was last monitored 1,165 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, carrying maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
Galicia said the weather disturbance may enter PAR on Saturday and will be given the local name “Sibag.”
“Based na rin sa track na ipinalabas natin ngayong 5 a.m. ay may posibilidad o inaasahan natin papasok po ito sa PAR ngayong araw din,” she said.
The weather bureau said the cyclone is expected to weaken while moving west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea and may downgrade into a low-pressure area by May 13.
Despite the weakening trend, PAGASA warned that the system may still bring rains over eastern Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon in the coming days.
No gale warning was raised over any coastal waters across the country as of Saturday morning.
