Heavy rain forecast due to ITCZ

MANILA, Philippines — The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) continues to affect large parts of the Philippines, bringing widespread rainfall to the Visayas, Palawan and Mindanao, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

Cloud clusters forming along the ITCZ are being closely monitored, particularly near the Visayas, with a possible development into a low-pressure area in the coming hours or days, PAGASA said.

Forecasts indicate that the ITCZ will result in heavy rain, especially in Mimaropa, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

Localized thunderstorms also remain likely across Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, driven by easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific.

As of the latest weather advisory, rainfall amounts of 50 to 100 millimeters are expected in Palawan, increasing the likelihood of urban flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in elevated terrain.

Metro Manila and most of Luzon are expected to experience fair weather with hot and humid mornings, followed by afternoon thunderstorms.