Luzon is set for another round of unsettled weather as the trough, or extension, of a low-pressure area (LPA) affects Northern Luzon while the southwest monsoon or Habagat continues to bring rain to Central and Southern Luzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its 4 a.m. forecast on September 12, said the LPA trough is affecting the western section of Northern Luzon, while Habagat is influencing Central and Southern Luzon.
The combination is expected to keep skies cloudy and bring scattered rains and thunderstorms across several areas of Luzon.
PAGASA identified the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya as areas that could experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the LPA trough.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and the Bicol Region may also see cloudy conditions with scattered rain and thunderstorms because of the southwest monsoon.
The weather bureau warned that moderate to at times heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and those near mountain slopes.
Northern Luzon remains particularly vulnerable
The latest forecast indicates that Northern Luzon will continue to experience the influence of the LPA trough, although the system itself is not necessarily expected to develop directly over the country.
PAGASA’s weekly outlook also showed that scattered rains and thunderstorms were expected over Metro Manila and much of Luzon through September 12 and 13.
This means residents should not assume that a temporary lull in rainfall signals an immediate return to completely fair weather.
GMA News likewise reported Saturday that the LPA trough would affect the western section of Northern Luzon, reinforcing PAGASA’s assessment of the weather pattern.
The Inquirer separately reported that overcast skies and rain were expected over Luzon, with the extension of the LPA outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility contributing to the unsettled conditions.
Two LPAs being monitored
The Manila Times reported that PAGASA was monitoring two low-pressure areas outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as monsoon rains continued to affect Luzon.
However, the presence of an LPA does not automatically mean a tropical cyclone will form or directly hit the Philippines. PAGASA continues to assess the systems based on their location, movement and potential for development.
The weather bureau’s latest outlook also indicated that a possible LPA could emerge east of Luzon around September 14 to 15. Its trough could bring additional cloudy conditions, rain and thunderstorms to parts of Bicol, Northern Samar and Quezon.
For now, the immediate concern remains rainfall rather than a direct tropical cyclone threat.
Flood and landslide risks remain
The continuing rains are particularly significant because several areas may already have saturated ground following previous episodes of monsoon rainfall.
PAGASA’s Northern Luzon regional service has warned that periods of moderate to heavy rain can raise the risk of flash floods, mudslides, rockslides and landslides, especially in mountainous communities.
Residents in flood-prone locations, low-lying communities and areas near steep slopes are advised to remain alert and follow warnings issued by local disaster risk-reduction authorities.
The public should also monitor PAGASA’s rainfall advisories, thunderstorm warnings and other official bulletins, especially when traveling.
The broader weather pattern is a continuation of the wet conditions that have affected parts of Luzon in recent days. Earlier this week, the Philippine News Agency reported that Habagat and the trough of Tropical Depression Krovanh had already been bringing rain to wide areas of Luzon and parts of the Visayas.
What happens next?
PAGASA’s current outlook suggests that scattered rains and thunderstorms will remain possible over Metro Manila and much of Luzon through the weekend.
By September 14 to 15, the weather bureau is also watching the possibility of another LPA emerging east of Luzon, although its eventual development and movement will determine whether it produces a significant weather impact.
For now, the message from weather authorities is clear: Luzon residents should remain weather-ready.
Even without a tropical cyclone making landfall, the combination of an LPA trough and Habagat can produce periods of heavy rain capable of causing flooding and landslides.
Residents are urged to keep monitoring official PAGASA updates rather than relying solely on social media posts or unofficial forecasts.
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