The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, Feb. 19, issued a heavy rainfall warning as the shear line intensified following a fresh surge of the northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan.”
PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said the shear line, formed by the collision of cold winds from the northeast monsoon and warm winds from the easterlies, is bringing 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall, classified as moderate to heavy, to several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.
On Thursday, moderate to heavy rains are expected over Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.
The rest of Caraga and Davao regions, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi may also experience rain showers due to the shear line.
By Friday, Feb. 20, moderate to heavy rainfall may persist over Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur.
PAGASA warned of possible localized flooding, especially in urbanized, low-lying, and river-adjacent areas. Landslides are also possible in highly susceptible areas.
Meanwhile, the amihan may bring cloudy skies with light rains over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, and Quezon over the next 24 hours.
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and the Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains due to the amihan.
The rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorm activity.
De la Cruz-Galicia said no gale warning is currently in effect, thus small boats and other sea vessels are safe to sail.
She also said no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone is being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of Thursday.
