Rains to prevail over most of PH on July 20 due to habagat

Satellite image from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

MANILA, Philippines — Overcast skies and rain showers will prevail over most parts of the country on Sunday due to the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Heavy rain is expected, particularly in the western sections of Luzon, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and the western part of the Visayas, based on Pagasa’s morning forecast.

READ: Wipha, formerly Crising, exits PAR and may strengthen into typhoon

“We also expect cloudy skies with scattered rains, particularly over the rest of Luzon and Visayas, as well as parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula and the areas of Northern Mindanao and Caraga,” Pagasa weather specialist Obet Badrina reported.

“As for the rest of Mindanao, we expect isolated rain showers and thunderstorms to occur,” he added.

Due to inclement weather, Pagasa raised a gale warning over the following areas:

• Ilocos Norte
• western coast of Pangasinan (Bolinao, Bani, Agno, Burgos, Dasol)
• Zambales
• Lubang Islands

Badrina also said Pagasa is not monitoring any low-pressure area inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

However, he noted that a tropical cyclone may develop within the PAR in the coming days or weeks of July, based on Pagasa’s forecast.

Crising is now outside the PAR and was last spotted 655 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes, moving toward the western part of China./mcm