Monsoon, easterlies continue to bring rain across country

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines continues to experience the effects of the northeast monsoon or amihan in Northern and Central Luzon, while the easterlies bring warm winds and scattered rains to Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

The northeast monsoon is bringing mild to moderate rains, particularly in areas such as Batanes, where cloudy skies and light to moderate rainfall are expected. Central and Northern Luzon will mostly experience sunny skies, though occasional light rains could be experienced, particularly in the eastern sections.

Metro Manila, as well as the rest of Southern Luzon, will have partly cloudy skies, with a slight chance of rain in some areas such as Quezon, Marinduque and the Bicol Region.

The easterlies continue to impact the southern regions of the country, bringing warm winds and scattered thunderstorms, particularly in Mindanao. Areas such as Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and much of the Davao and Caraga regions will experience periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms, posing a risk of flooding and landslides.

In contrast, the northern and central parts of Mindanao will have partly cloudy skies, with rain expected in the afternoon and evening. In Zamboanga City and Davao City, temperatures could reach up to 32 degrees Celsius, making for a hot afternoon.

The easterlies will remain in effect over the Visayas and Mindanao, with scattered rain and thunderstorms expected to continue through Jan. 25, particularly in Davao, Caraga and nearby regions.

By today, the northeast monsoon will begin to strengthen, bringing light rain to parts of Luzon, including the eastern sections of Cagayan Valley, Quezon and Bicol. However, the southeast portions of Luzon, including parts of Palawan, will still experience the warm influence of the easterlies.