The southwest wind flow has returned and is now affecting parts of Luzon and Visayas, bringing cloudy skies and scattered rains, according to the state weather bureau PAGASA.
PAGASA forecaster Benison Estareja said the southwest wind flow, also known as the pre-southwest monsoon, is blowing from the West Philippine Sea.
He explained that this weather system usually brings light to moderate rains, and sometimes heavy rains, which could lead to flooding and landslides.
“Ang nature po ng southwesterly wind flow, mga pag-ulan, mga light to moderate with at times heavy rains at minsan malalakas po yan na maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa,” Estareja said.
As of Thursday, May 29, areas affected include Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro. Residents are advised to watch out for strong rains especially in the afternoon and evening.
The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mindoro provinces, may also experience cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms later in the day.
In Palawan, skies will be mostly cloudy with fewer rains compared to the previous day, but light to moderate rains are still possible in the afternoon. Temperatures in the province will range from 26°C to 31°C.
“Medyo makulimlim pa rin po ang panahon ngayong araw. Mas kakunti na yung mga pag-ulan kumpara po kahapon, mga light to moderate rains lalo na sa dakong tanghali dahil yan sa southwesterly wind flow,” he added.
In the Visayas, Estareja said there is a chance of rain in Southern Negros and Western Visayas starting in the morning, followed by scattered thunderstorms in many parts of the region by afternoon or evening. Metro Cebu can expect 27°C to 32°C temperatures.
Meanwhile, most of Mindanao will have generally fair weather, although rain is possible in the Bangsamoro region and Zamboanga Peninsula in the morning, with more areas expected to experience scattered rains by late afternoon and evening. Temperatures in Zamboanga City may reach up to 33°C and in Davao City, up to 34°C.
PAGASA also reported high heat index readings on Wednesday, with Iba, Zambales and Tarlac reaching 45°C, and Laoag, Ilocos Norte recording 44°C. In Metro Manila, heat index levels ranged from 39°C in the north to 41°C in the south.
For Thursday, Masbate City is expected to record the highest heat index at 44°C, followed by 43°C in areas like Cagayan, Isabela, Tarlac, and Butuan City. Metro Manila’s heat index may range between 37°C to 39°C.
“Karamihan ng mga lugar na magkakaroon pa ng delikadong heat index ay dito pa rin sa may Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas at some areas pa ng Mindanao,” Estareja said, warning of continuous hot and humid conditions despite some rainfall.
Despite the rains, no storms or low-pressure areas are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the next few days. However, PAGASA is monitoring a possible weather disturbance in the West Philippine Sea.
No gale warnings or sea travel suspensions have been issued as of today, with wave heights expected at 0.5 to 1 meter on average. But waves may reach up to 2.5 meters in the West Philippine Sea during thunderstorms.
By Friday until Monday (June 2), the southwest wind flow will continue to bring rains over parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and MIMAROPA. A frontal system near Taiwan may also bring strong rains over Batanes and Cagayan provinces.
With continuous rain expected in the coming days, PAGASA warned of possible heavy rainfall alerts and the likely declaration of the official start of the rainy season by early June.
