PAGASA says rains to ease this week

THE shear line and the northeast monsoon will shape weather conditions across the Philippines this week, with rains gradually easing but localized thunderstorms expected to persist in parts of Luzon and the Visayas, the state weather bureau reported on Sunday.

In its 5 a.m. briefing, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the shear line — the convergence of cold northeasterly winds and warm easterlies — is affecting the eastern Visayas, while the northeast monsoon, or amihan, continues to influence Luzon and the rest of the Visayas. Easterlies are prevailing over Mindanao.

No low-pressure area or tropical cyclone is being monitored within or near the Philippine area of responsibility.

From Tuesday through Thursday, the monsoon’s influence may further weaken, limiting isolated light rains to far northern Luzon.

Elsewhere in Luzon, including Metro Manila, localized thunderstorms driven by daytime heating are expected to become the dominant weather pattern.

The shear line is also expected to bring cloudy skies, scattered rains and thunderstorms in the Visayas and parts of northern Mindanao, including Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Camiguin and Misamis Oriental.

Residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas were advised to remain vigilant, particularly in communities that have experienced persistent rainfall in recent days.

PAGASA said the shear line may gradually weaken in the coming days, though easterlies could continue to trigger rain showers over Caraga and Northern Mindanao.

No gale warnings have been raised over any of the country’s seaboards, signaling generally moderate sea conditions for the week ahead. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana