**Habagat Monsoon to Continue Across the Philippines as Low‑Pressure Area Monitored, Pagasa Says**
MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” is expected to persist over much of the Philippines, bringing cloudy skies, scattered rain and thunderstorms, according to a weather advisory issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Thursday.
The advisory, released at 5 p.m., noted that a low‑pressure area (LPA) situated about 850 kilometres east of the extreme northern tip of Luzon remains within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Pagasa’s weather specialist John Manalo said the system is not anticipated to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, although the probability of intensification rises after that period.
**Rainfall Forecasts**
Pagasa projects that the habagat will produce the following rainfall totals on Friday:
* **100–200 mm** – Benguet, Zambales, and Occidental Mindoro.
* **50–100 mm** – Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and Antique.
In addition to the above, occasional showers are expected in other parts of Luzon, Western Visayas and Negros Island. The rest of the country is likely to experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with localized thunderstorms.
**Monitoring the Low‑Pressure Area**
Manalo explained that while the LPA is not expected to become a tropical cyclone within the immediate 24‑hour window, “beyond that period the chance of it developing into a storm will increase.” He added that if the system intensifies, it will be assigned a name—currently identified as “Pilandok” in Pagasa’s naming list.
**Implications**
The continued influence of the habagat means that residents in the affected regions should remain prepared for heavy rain and possible flooding. Local authorities are advised to monitor river levels and issue appropriate warnings as conditions evolve.
*The information presented reflects the statements and forecasts released by Pagasa and does not include any unverified claims.*
Article and image source: cebudailynews.inquirer.net
