More rains ahead from storm-enhanced Habagat

Metro Manila and several parts of Luzon may expect more rainy weather this week as a tropical storm approaching from the east continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, state weather forecasters said Monday afternoon.

 

But PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier said the storm, internationally codenamed Pabuk, has little chance of entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week.

 

"Ang Pabuk, yun pa rin ang nagpapaibayo sa habagat, at nagbibigay ng ulan sa atin. Pero base sa weather models paakyat siya, maliit ang chance papasoik siya sa PAR," Javier said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

If Pabuk enters the PAR, it will be locally codenamed Paolo.

 

But Javier said that, as of now, Pabuk is more likely to head to Japan.

 

On Monday, heavy rain pounded Metro Manila and nearby provinces and caused floods, forcing the suspension of classes in many areas.

 

Flash floods, landslides

 

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon continues to affect Luzon.

 

"Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the provinces of Pangasinan and La Union will experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms which may trigger flash floods and landslides," it said.

 

PAGASA said Western Visayas and the rest of Luzon will have "cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms."

 

The rest of the country will be "partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms," it added.

 

Tuesday outlook

 

PAGASA also said moderate to strong winds from the southwest to south will prevail over Luzon and Visayas.

 

The coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.

 

Elsewhere, it said winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest with slight to moderate seas.

 

Gale warning

 

PAGASA also said strong to gale-force winds associated with the southwest monsoon may affect the northern and western seaboards of Luzon.

 

"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," it said. — TJD, GMA News