Southwest Monsoon brings rain and storm risks to Philippines

The Southwest Monsoon, locally known as habagat, is bringing unsettled weather across several regions in the Philippines. In Negros Oriental and the broader Visayas, residents can expect grey skies, rainshowers, and thunderstorms through the weekend. While no tropical cyclone signals are currently in effect, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has cautioned against risks of flooding, lightning, and sudden wind gusts.

In Mindanao, particularly within the Zamboanga Peninsula, the monsoon is expected to cause partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. PAGASA has issued warnings regarding the potential for flash floods and landslides in areas near rivers, waterways, and steep slopes due to sudden heavy rainfall from severe thunderstorms. Coastal conditions are expected to remain light to moderate, though local hazards may arise during thunderstorm activity.