MANILA, Philippines — Residents across western and central parts of Luzon should brace for continued rain as the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, remains the dominant weather system affecting the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA’s latest forecast issued on August 23 said the Southwest Monsoon is affecting Luzon, with Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro and parts of Cagayan Valley expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.
The weather bureau warned that moderate to at times heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in vulnerable and already saturated areas.
Western Luzon remains on alert
The Manila Times reported that Habagat would continue affecting much of Western Luzon over the next 24 hours. PAGASA also noted that the northern and western sections of Luzon could experience moderate to strong southwesterly to southerly winds, with coastal waters becoming moderate to rough.
The latest PAGASA forecast places coastal waves along northern and western Luzon at around 1.5 to 3.4 meters, conditions that could affect small boats and sea travel.
For Batanes, PAGASA forecast occasional rains associated with the southwest monsoon, while the rest of Luzon could see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Three tropical cyclones being monitored
The continuing monsoon activity comes as PAGASA monitors three tropical cyclones outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
These include Typhoon Saudel, a tropical depression east of Eastern Visayas, and Tropical Depression Gaenari, formerly known as Neneng, near the northern portion of the region.
As of PAGASA’s early Sunday bulletin, Typhoon Saudel was located about 2,245 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 215 kph.
Although the weather systems were not expected to directly affect the country within the immediate forecast period, their movements could become important because of their potential influence on the Habagat.
A separate report from Philstar said PAGASA expected Saudel to potentially enter the PAR on Monday, August 24, and warned that the system could enhance the Southwest Monsoon, bringing occasional heavy rains particularly to western sections of Luzon and Visayas.
Inquirer.net likewise reported that Saudel has a high chance of entering the PAR and could strengthen the Habagat once it does.
Flooding remains a major concern
The continued monsoon rains are particularly significant because several parts of the country are still dealing with the effects of recent severe weather.
The Office of Civil Defense reported that 574 areas remained flooded as of August 22, with Central Luzon accounting for the largest number of affected locations. The situation was attributed to the combined effects of Habagat and previous tropical cyclones.
Agriculture has also suffered substantial losses. The Department of Agriculture reported that damage from Habagat and recent tropical cyclones had reached approximately ₱1.79 billion, affecting more than 51,000 farmers, with more than 41,000 hectares of agricultural land impacted.
With more rain still possible, authorities and residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas are being urged to remain vigilant.
What residents should watch for
For areas under the influence of the Habagat, residents should closely monitor official weather and local disaster advisories, particularly when heavy rain persists for several hours.
People living near rivers, waterways, steep slopes and other flood- or landslide-prone locations should be prepared to move to safer areas if local authorities issue evacuation orders.
Motorists should also exercise caution on roads affected by flooding, poor visibility or landslides.
For the latest official forecasts, residents should rely on PAGASA and local government disaster-response agencies rather than unverified social-media posts.
The immediate concern is not necessarily a direct landfall—but the possibility that the weather systems surrounding the Philippines could further intensify the Habagat and prolong the rain over already vulnerable areas.
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