Visayas and Bicol to see heavy rains

THE Philippines is bracing for another day of heavy rain across parts of the Visayas and Bicol as the state weather bureau warned that a shear line interacting with the northeast monsoon will continue to trigger flooding and landslide risks into the start of the week.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a 5 a.m. weather briefing on Sunday that no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone is being monitored inside or outside the Philippine area of responsibility, keeping the likelihood of a storm low at least through the week.

Instead, three weather systems — the northeast monsoon, a shear line, and easterlies — are driving widespread rainfall across the country.

Rainfall is expected to remain heavy through Monday in Bicol provinces, including Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Camarines Norte and Sur, as well as in Eastern Visayas and parts of the Panay Islands.

The northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, will continue to bring cooler temperatures and strong winds over Northern and Central Luzon, while also contributing to rough sea conditions along eastern seaboards.

PAGASA has maintained gale warnings over several coastal provinces, including Aurora, Quezon, Catanduanes, Albay and parts of Samar, advising small fishing vessels to remain ashore.

In Mindanao, easterlies are expected to bring scattered rain showers, particularly over Caraga, while most areas may see generally fair weather punctuated by localized thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana