MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila and other parts of the country can expect a rainy and overcast Christmas Eve due to the effects of the northeast monsoon, according to the state weather bureau on Monday, December 23.
In their afternoon weather forecast, PAGASA said the northeast monsoon will whip up cloudy skies and rain for Christmas eve in Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.
PAGASA warned of “possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains” in the aforementioned areas.
Shear line. The shear line, where warm and cold skies meet, will also trigger cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms in Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Capiz and Aklan.
PAGASA weather specialist Daniel Villamil said several areas affected by the shear line can anticipate heavy to intense rains on Christmas eve, namely: Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes.
Moderate to heavy rains are also expected in Quezon, Canarines Norte, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, leyte, Aklan and Capiz.
PAGASA said the rainy weather in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon will likely persist until Christmas Day.
A gale warning has also been raised over the northern and western coasts of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos and Pasuquin).
PAGASA also issued a gale warning over the northern and eastern coasts of Catanduanes (Baras, Gigmoto, Viga, Panganiban, Bagamanoc and Pandan.) Waves from 3.1 to 4.5 meters are possible in the aforementioned areas.