MANILA (October 27) — Cloudy skies and scattered rains are expected to continue across the Philippines through the end of October as three major weather systems converge over the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The northeasterly wind flow, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and the easterlies are combining to create the week’s damp and humid weather, signaling the gradual shift from the southwest monsoon to the cooler northeast winds.
PAGASA said the ITCZ will continue to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Palawan, the Visayas, and Mindanao, while a shear line affects Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, resulting in similar weather conditions.
In Aurora and Quezon, the northeasterly wind flow is causing intermittent rains, while Metro Manila and most of Luzon are feeling the effects of the easterlies — warm, moist winds from the Pacific that bring fair yet humid weather with occasional afternoon or evening showers.
“We’re in the transition period where the northeast monsoon is beginning to influence the weather, but there’s still a lot of tropical moisture in the atmosphere,” PAGASA forecasters explained. “That’s why the rains are scattered but persistent.”
Based on PAGASA’s extended weather outlook issued October 25, cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms are expected today in Puerto Princesa City, the Kalayaan Group of Islands, Bacolod, Iloilo, Metro Cebu, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Valencia City (Bukidnon), Metro Davao, and Zamboanga City.
Similar conditions are forecast tomorrow in Metro Manila, Tuguegarao, Clark Zone, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Lipa, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Bacolod, Iloilo, Metro Cebu, Tacloban, and Zamboanga.
By October 28, rainy skies may persist over Tuguegarao, Puerto Princesa, and the Kalayaan Islands, before easing by October 29, when most parts of the country may see partly cloudy to occasionally cloudy conditions with isolated thunderstorms.
Although the current weather pattern is typical for late October, PAGASA warned residents in flood-prone and mountainous areas to remain cautious of possible flash floods and landslides during heavy downpours.
The bureau added that the unsettled weather may linger into early November as Filipinos prepare for Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days), urging the public to monitor advisories before traveling or visiting cemeteries.
“These rains are part of the natural seasonal transition,” PAGASA said. “They tell us that the cool amihan winds are just around the corner.”
