The heat index in Puerto Princesa City and Coron is expected to soar to a scorching 42 degrees Celsius today, the state weather bureau warned, urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said the combination of high temperatures and humidity will make it feel significantly hotter across Palawan, especially during the peak hours from late morning until mid-afternoon. “Pinakamainit naman sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon, kabilang ang Dagupan City, hanggang 44 degrees Celsius po for today, habang possible naman yung up to 42 degrees na heat index sa tanghali sa may Occidental Mindoro—sa malaking bahagi ng Palawan, Virac, Catanduanes at bahagi ng Iloilo,” he reported.
While the province will generally experience fair and sunny weather during the day, Estareja added that isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon, mainly over central parts of Palawan. These localized rains are due to the warm easterly winds affecting the region.
“Sa ating mga kababayan sa malaking bahagi ng Palawan, bahagyang maulap at madalas maaraw naman, umaga hanggang tanghali,” Estareja said. “And then sa dakong hapon, minsan kumukulim din ang panahon at may chance na rin ng mga pulupulong mga pag-ulan, lalo na sa may central portion,” he added.
No tropical cyclone is expected to form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the coming days. However, weather disturbances elsewhere in the country will continue to influence varying conditions in different regions.
In Luzon, the northeasterly wind flow affects northern provinces such as Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, and the eastern portions of Cagayan and Isabela, bringing cloudy skies and light rains. The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila and the Bicol Region, will have partly cloudy to occasionally cloudy skies with chances of brief afternoon downpours.
In the Visayas, warm and humid weather dominates most areas, although the eastern sections, particularly Samar and Leyte provinces, are likely to experience heavy rains due to the easterlies.
Southern parts of Mindanao will bear the brunt of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), which continues to bring widespread rains to provinces such as Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Davao Region, and Surigao del Sur. Flash floods and landslides remain possible in these areas, especially during periods of heavy downpours.
Estareja emphasized that the nature of the rainfall associated with the ITCZ is unpredictable and may intensify quickly.
Seas around Palawan and most western coastal areas remain generally calm, with no gale warnings in effect. However, waves may become moderate to rough along the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon due to the northeast wind flow.
Looking ahead, PAGASA forecasts fair weekend weather for Palawan, but by Monday and Tuesday next week, scattered rains may return as the ITCZ moves slightly northward and begins affecting parts of the province again.
