Southwest monsoon brings heavy rain to Luzon and Visayas

The southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, is bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and unsettled weather across various regions of the Philippines, including Luzon and the Visayas.

In Luzon, PAGASA has issued a heavy rainfall outlook for August 28–30. Areas expected to experience heavy to intense rain (100–200 mm) include La Union, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, and Occidental Mindoro. Moderate to heavy rain is forecast for several other provinces, including Metro Manila, Cavite, and Batangas. Residents have been advised to remain cautious of potential floods and landslides.

In the Visayas, specifically Negros Oriental, the monsoon is causing thunderstorms and rainshowers. Communities from Dumaguete to Guihulngan, as well as Siquijor, are facing shifting weather conditions that may disrupt travel, fishing, and outdoor activities. Localized flooding is a risk in low-lying areas such as Dumaguete City, Bais, Bayawan, and Guihulngan. Additionally, a low pressure area east of Batanes has a chance of developing into a tropical depression.