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From Aparri to Jolo, it will be a rainy Xmas weekend in the PHL


(Updated 12:30 p.m., 12-22-11) Think twice about that holiday picnic on the beach. Rainshowers are expected throughout the Philippines this Christmas, according to a GMA News survey of weather web sites, including PAGASA's. In Cagayan de Oro, thundershowers are expected daily until New Year's eve, making disaster relief and the retrieval of bodies even more challenging. Forecasters warned of rough seas in eastern Luzon and Visayas due to winds of the northeast monsoon and advised fisherfolk to stay home.  GMA News Online perused the Yahoo and CNN weather pages, in addition to the web sites of the World Meterological Association, weather.org and PAGASA.  Popular vacation destinations Palawan and Boracay will be rainy even beyond the weekend, with sunny days returning to both only on December 28.   
In its special Christmas outlook, PAGASA warned of possible flash floods and landslides in Bicol Christmas weekend. But no storms on the horizon.  "No tropical cyclone is expected to occur in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the outlook period," it said. It said the northeast monsoon may bring rain and strong to gale-force winds and the tail-end of a cold front may bring cool weather. Filipinos are still reeling from the effects of tropical storm Sendong (Washi), which caused more than 1,000 deaths when it lashed Mindanao and Visayas last weekend. Big waves in eastern Visayas PAGASA said Luzon will be affected by the surge of the northeast monsoon, which will bring light rain that will become frequent over the eastern section and may trigger flash floods and landslides in Bicol Region on December 24 and 25. Visayas and Mindanao will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. "Widespread rains are likely to occur over its eastern sections which may cause floods and landslides on Christmas Day due to the southward migration of the tail-end of a cold front," it added. PAGASA advised fishermen over the coastal areas of Luzon and Eastern Visayas to refrain from venturing out into sea due to big waves generated by strong northeasterly winds. It said fisherfolk over the rest of the country are also advised to exercise extra caution due to rough seas generated by moderate to strong winds. Those seeking more information may contact the Weather Division or the forecaster on duty thru the following telephone numbers: 927-2877 and 926-4258 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph. — KBK/HS, GMA News
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