By Ma. Cristina Arayata | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – The trough of Tropical Storm Rai, and the northeast monsoon or amihan will bring rain showers across many areas in the country, the weather bureau said on Tuesday (Dec. 14).
In its weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Rai was last tracked 1,380 kilometers east of Mindanao, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
PAGASA weather forecaster Grace Castañeda said it is expected to enter PAR Tuesday night. Once inside PAR, it will be named “Odette” and is forecast to reach the typhoon category by Wednesday (Dec. 15).
The trough of Rai will cause scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region. Flooding or landslides are possible during moderate to at times heavy rains.
Light rains will be experienced over the Cagayan Valley region, the provinces of Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Aurora due to the northeast monsoon.
Likewise, Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region and Central Luzon will have isolated light rains.
The rest of the country will have isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will continue to prevail over Luzon, the Visayas, and the eastern section of Mindanao.
Strong to gale force winds will be experienced over the seaboard of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, eastern and western seaboards of Southern Luzon, and the Visayas, and eastern seaboard of Mindanao.
Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.
Over the rest of Mindanao, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas. (PNA) – bny
