Satellite image from Pagasa.
Fair weather prevailed over much of the country on Thursday as a ridge of high pressure system continued to influence Luzon, according to the state weather bureau.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the ridge remained the dominant weather system, keeping most areas generally dry.
Weather specialist Loriedin De la Cruz-Galicia said rainfall was largely suppressed over Luzon due to the extended ridge, resulting in clearer skies.
She added that Metro Manila and nearby areas experienced partly cloudy to generally fair conditions, while brief cloud formation was still possible.
Localized thunderstorms were expected in parts of Visayas and Mindanao, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Pagasa also said Typhoon Sinlaku, last monitored far east of Central Luzon, was not expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
The storm maintained strong winds but continued to move away from the country, posing no direct impact at this time.
The weather bureau warned that heat index levels could still reach dangerous ranges in several areas, including Metro Manila and parts of Luzon and Mindanao.