The state weather bureau has warned that turbulence in waters off Luzon will likely continue until Wednesday, posing dangers to sailing.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the prevailing southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’ is expected to continue bringing strong to gale-force winds that can fan turbulence and giant waves in Luzon’s waters.
“People must avoid venturing into sea until waters are calm,” he said.
He said a low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is enhancing the ‘habagat’, increasing the possibility for Luzon to experience rough seas and moderate to heavy rainfall.
A tropical depression outside the PAR is also enhancing the ‘habagat’, he noted.
On Saturday, PAGASA warned of possible “rough to very rough” sea conditions off the western seaboard of central and southern Luzon, including Metro Manila.
Waves up to 4.5 m. high are also possible in open seas there, PAGASA continued.
PAGASA based its warning on the onslaught of strong to gale-force winds associated with the enhanced ‘habagat’.
The agency forecast 52 kph to 63 kph winds in Metro Manila, Batangas and Palawan provinces’ western coast as well as in Zambales, Bataan, Cavite and Occidental Mindoro provinces.
“Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the sea,” PAGASA said in its warning released Saturday.
In its 24-hour weather forecast also issued Saturday, PAGASA said ‘habagat’ is affecting Luzon and Western Visayas.
At risk for flashflood and landslides that could be triggered by the ‘habagat’ rains are Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon as well as Mindoro and Palawan islands, PAGASA continued.
PAGASA located the LPA at some 350 km. north of Batanes province’s Itbayat municipality as of 4 a.m. Saturday.
Aurelio said there is a “low” chance for the LPA to intensify into a tropical cyclone.
“That LPA can dissipate this weekend,” he noted.
Even if the LPA dissipates however, the weather system’s enhancement of the ‘habagat’ will linger for several days, Aurelio said.
“We still expect the enhanced ‘habagat’ to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds until mid-week,” he said.
PAGASA reiterated its call for people to prepare for the inclement weather.(PNA)
