Fair weather, no storms expected during Christmas, says PAGASA

Generally fair weather is expected in most parts of the country during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Daniel James E. Villamil said weather conditions are expected to improve over the Visayas starting Tuesday, as rains induced by easterlies are likely to decrease.

He added that during the same period, the effects of other prevailing weather systems, such as the northeast monsoon and the shear line, are also expected to weaken.

Then from Wednesday to Thursday, rain showers are expected to further decrease, with only occasional afternoon or evening rains.

“Generally sa araw po ng Pasko at bisperas ng Pasko ay generally fair weather ang ating mararanasan sa malaking bahagi ng bansa [Generally, on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, fair weather will be experienced in a large part of the country],” Mr. Villamil said during PAGASA’s early morning weather outlook.

He added that no tropical cyclones are expected during the upcoming Christmas celebration, as no low-pressure area is threatening the country within the forecast period.

However, some parts of the country, particularly eastern sections of Luzon, may still experience rains due to the combined effects of the shear line and easterlies.

Shear line to affect Luzon

Before the Christmas festivities, large parts of Luzon and other areas are likely to be affected by the combined effects of the shear line, northeast monsoon, and easterlies from Monday to Tuesday, PAGASA said.

In a 24-hour forecast released at 4:00 a.m., PAGASA said cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms due to the shear line are expected to affect areas of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao.

The shear line is also expected to affect Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, and Quezon Province.

It will also be in effect over Metro Manila and the rest of Central Luzon, causing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with rain showers or thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, easterlies are likely to affect the Visayas, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte, bringing cloudy skies with rains.

The Ilocos Region may be affected by the northeast monsoon, while other parts of the country will continue to experience the effects of easterlies.

PAGASA cautioned residents in affected areas, except for the Ilocos Region, that flash floods and landslides may occur, especially during heavy rains. — Edg Adrian A. Eva