Moderate to heavy rains expected

THE Philippines is bracing for several more days of rain across its eastern seaboard, even as weather forecasters on Sunday see a low chance of a tropical cyclone forming before Christmas, offering tentative relief for travel and holiday plans.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the easterlies and shear line will continue to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to parts of Eastern Luzon, the Visayas and Eastern Mindanao early this week, raising the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas such as Cagayan, Isabela, Bicol, Negros and Eastern Mindanao.

Authorities are also monitoring the expected strengthening of the northeast monsoon, or amihan, which could prompt gale warnings over northern Luzon waters, particularly around Batanes and the Babuyan Islands.

Rough seas may disrupt fishing activities and inter-island travel, a recurring concern during the peak holiday season.

Looking ahead, PAGASA said weather conditions are likely to gradually improve by midweek, with rainfall expected to ease by Christmas Day.

“From [Monday] until Tuesday, rainfall is still expected over the eastern parts of the country due to the effects of the shear line and the easterlies,” PAGASA weather specialist Robert E. Badrina said in Filipino during a 5 a.m. briefing on Sunday. “As a result, wet conditions are likely to persist across the eastern sections of the Philippines.”

By Wednesday, Christmas Eve, through Christmas Day, the effects of the northeast monsoon, as well as the shear line and easterlies, are expected to weaken, he noted.

While isolated thunderstorms may persist, forecasters said the probability of a storm entering the Philippine area of responsibility in the next three to five days remains low. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana