Rainfall is expected to persist across Palawan today, May 25, due to the continued presence of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the state weather bureau said Sunday morning.
The ITCZ, a weather system caused by the meeting of winds from opposite hemispheres, is bringing widespread rain to Mimaropa, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. In Palawan, light to moderate rains were already being experienced early in the day.
“Malaki pa rin yung tsansa ng mga pag-ulan sa Palawan,” PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said in a live report from the agency’s forecasting center.
In Puerto Princesa, temperatures are expected to range between 25°C and 30°C, while the Kalayaan Island Group will experience slightly warmer conditions between 25°C and 31°C. Thunderstorms are also likely to develop in the afternoon or evening.
“Inaasahan pa rin natin ang mas malaking tsansa ng mga pag-ulan sa may bahagi ng MIMAROPA,” Badrina added, noting that the rain pattern may persist in the coming days.
Over the rest of the Visayas, cloudy skies and scattered rain showers are expected throughout the day, also due to the ITCZ. Forecast temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C in Tacloban, 26°C to 31°C in Cebu, and 26°C to 31°C in Iloilo.
In Mindanao, the recent heavy rains are expected to gradually decrease, although overcast conditions will continue in areas such as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Caraga. The Bangsamoro and SOCCSKSARGEN regions may experience fewer rain showers and warmer daytime conditions. Temperatures will range from 24°C to 31°C in Cagayan de Oro, 25°C to 30°C in Zamboanga, and 25°C to 32°C in Davao.
Most of Luzon, meanwhile, will continue to experience generally fair and hot weather due to minimal cloud cover. However, isolated thunderstorms may still occur in the afternoon or evening. The highest heat index is forecasted in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, where it could reach up to 46°C. In Metro Manila, the heat index may climb to 40°C.
PAGASA is advising residents, particularly in urban areas, to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities around midday to avoid heat-related illnesses.
No tropical cyclone is being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and the chance of a storm developing this week remains low. No gale warnings have been raised for any coastal area in the country.
