Easterlies Bring Cloudy Skies, Scattered Rains Across Parts of PH

The easterlies continue to affect the Philippines, bringing cloudy skies and scattered rains to several parts of the country, the state weather bureau said.

PAGASA’s 4 a.m. public weather outlook on Tuesday noted that the easterlies will cause cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms in Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the same weather system.

Areas Affected by the Easterlies

PAGASA said the easterlies—winds coming from the east that pass through the Pacific Ocean—are currently affecting the eastern sections of the country. These winds carry warm, humid air that can trigger rain and thunderstorms.

In its separate forecast for Labor Day, the bureau reported that Caraga,Northern Mindanao,Zamboanga Peninsula,Basilan, and Davao Oriental will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the easterlies. Other areas under similar conditions include Southern Leyte,Davao del Norte, and Davao de Oro.

Possible Flash Floods and Landslides

PAGASA warned that moderate to at times heavy rains could trigger flash floods or landslides in these areas. The agency urged residents in vulnerable communities to stay alert and take precautionary measures.

“There is a possibility of flash floods or landslides in these areas due to moderate to at times heavy rains,” the bureau said in its weather advisory.

Weather Systems Interacting

Aside from the easterlies, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is also affecting the weather. The Manila Times reported that cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms would prevail over the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan due to the ITCZ.

The easterlies, meanwhile, have been affecting most parts of Luzon including Metro Manila. This combination of weather systems means that many regions will experience unsettled conditions in the coming days.

Forecast Wind and Coastal Water Conditions

For wind speed, Northern Luzon will experience light to moderate winds moving in the southeast to northeast direction. Coastal waters in the area are expected to be slight to moderate.

The rest of the country will also have light to moderate wind speed moving in the east to northeast direction. Coastal waters will remain slight to moderate, PAGASA said.

Earlier Forecasts and Patterns

PAGASA’s daily weather forecast on Saturday afternoon had already indicated that the easterlies would cause cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Caraga, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental.Batanes was also expected to have cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms, but due to a frontal system rather than the easterlies.

The bureau said the rest of the country would have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.

Sunrise and Sunset Timings

Sunrise on Tuesday in Metro Manila is at 5:58 a.m., while sunset is at 6:07 p.m. These timings reflect the ongoing transition from the amihan season to the warmer dry season.

Earlier this year, PAGASA announced that the amihan—the northeast monsoon—had ended, marking the start of the warm and dry season. The easterlies have since become the dominant weather system affecting the country.

Safety Reminders for the Public

PAGASA advises residents in areas under cloudy skies and scattered rains to monitor weather updates regularly. Those living in low-lying or mountainous areas should be particularly cautious about potential flooding or landslides.

The bureau also reminds fishermen and those with small seacraft to exercise caution, although wind and sea conditions are generally expected to be light to moderate across the country.

In Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, the weather may remain fair for most of the day, but isolated thunderstorms could develop in the afternoon or evening. The public is advised to bring umbrellas or rain gear when going out.

Outlook for the Coming Days

PAGASA has not issued any storm signal or gale warning as of the latest bulletin. However, the presence of both the easterlies and the ITCZ suggests that cloudy and rainy conditions will persist in several regions in the near term.

The state weather bureau continues to monitor the movement of these weather systems and will issue updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official PAGASA channels for the latest information.