PAGASA: Monsoon rains to continue in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — More rains are expected over Luzon today due to the southwest monsoon, which will continue to be enhanced by Typhoon Soulik outside the Philippines.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Soulik remains unlikely to enter the country but will pull the rain-bearing southwest monsoon toward the landmass of Luzon, particularly its western section.

PAGASA said occasional moderate to heavy rains will prevail across extreme Northern Luzon, including the Babuyan Islands, Batanes and northern portions of Ilocos Norte, as Soulik moves toward China.

Moderate to occasionally heavy rains are also expected over the Cordillera Administrative Region, Batanes, Babuyan Group of Islands, Zambales and Bataan.

Scattered rains and thunderstorms will persist over Metro Manila, the rest of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mindoro provinces and Northern Palawan. 

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the eye of Soulik was located at 1,510 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

It was forecast to move west northwest at 15 kph.

PAGASA was also monitoring Typhoon Cimarron over the Pacific Ocean. However, like Soulik, it is unlikely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility.

President Duterte last week declared Aug. 21 a regular holiday to celebrate Eid’l Adha, the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice. Aug. 21 also marks Ninoy Aquino Day, a special non-working holiday.