Rain showers are expected to drench several parts of the country this weekend as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to influence the weather, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 4 a.m. forecast on Saturday, PAGASA said Mimaropa, Western Visayas, the Bicol Region, and Quezon will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. The agency cautioned that moderate to heavy downpours could trigger flash floods and landslides, especially in vulnerable areas.
For Metro Manila and the rest of the country, residents can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms—mostly in the afternoon or evening. Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail nationwide.
Meanwhile, PAGASA is closely tracking Tropical Cyclone Podul, which remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. As of 3 a.m., Podul was spotted about 2,230 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, moving west-northwest at 15 kph. It packs maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph.
While Podul poses no immediate threat to the country, PAGASA advised the public to stay updated, as changes in its track or intensity could still affect the Philippines in the coming days.