‘Habagat’ to bring rains over western section of Luzon, Visayas

The center of tropical depression “ESTER” was estimated at 200 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes (22.3.0°N 122.7°E) with maximum winds of 55 kph near the center and it is forecast to move northeast at 22 kph. Southwest Monsoon affecting Luzon.

MANILA — Expect occasional rains to continue over the western section of Luzon and Visayas due to southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” affecting these areas on Thursday, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the southwest monsoon, which is associated with the occurrence of intermittent to continuous rains, is the prevailing wind system during the rainy season.

Aurelio said Metro Manila, regions of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces); Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Western Visayas and the provinces of Bataan and Zambales will experience occasional rains.

He said the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Aurelio added that the weather agency has not seen any weather disturbance near the country’s area of responsibility until Friday.

For the month of June, he said the state weather bureau is expecting two to three storms to hit the country.

Every year, an average of about 18 to 20 storms affect the Philippines, according to the PAGASA.

In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds coming from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and Western Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the south to southwest will prevail over the rest of Visayas and Mindanao with slight to moderate seas.