Cold monsoon, shear line persist

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines continues to experience varied weather conditions as the northeast monsoon, or amihan, and the easterly winds dominate the country’s weather patterns.

According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the northeast monsoon originating from mainland Asia is bringing light rains to much of Luzon. Meanwhile, the shear line, which marks the boundary between cold amihan winds and warm easterly winds, is affecting southern Luzon and parts of the Visayas.

Light rains are expected in Luzon, particularly in the eastern sections, such as Bicol and Southern Quezon. These areas remain vulnerable to scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms due to the shear line, which may lead to localized flooding and landslides. The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with light rains mostly in the morning.

Temperatures in Metro Manila are forecast to range between 24 to 31 degrees Celsius, while cooler conditions prevail in northern Luzon, such as Baguio City, where lows of 14 to 15 degrees Celsius are expected.

In the Visayas, eastern sections such as Samar will experience scattered rains due to the shear line, while the rest of the region is expected to have fair weather conditions with isolated rain showers. Temperatures in areas like Cebu are forecast to range from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius.

Mindanao will be most affected by the easterly winds, with heavy rainfall anticipated in Caraga, the Dinagat Islands and Surigao provinces. Other parts of Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Davao region, will also experience scattered rains and thunderstorms. Temperatures in Zamboanga and Davao may peak at 33 degrees by midday.