Residents of Cebu should prepare for a mix of clouds and potential brief thunderstorms this Monday, January 5, 2026, as forecast by state weather experts. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in the Visayas indicates the day will be mostly cloudy with a chance of isolated, short-lived rainfall due to localized thunderstorms.
Shear Line Influence and Immediate Forecast
Pagasa Visayas weather specialist Ana Dumdum, in a Sunday phone interview, explained that the weather pattern affecting the region is linked to a shear line. This invisible boundary where opposing winds meet can create turbulence, strong gusts, and trigger thunderstorms. However, Dumdum provided a positive outlook, noting that the shear line is moving northward, which will lessen its influence over Cebu and reduce rainfall activity.
The effects of this weather disturbance were felt across a significant portion of the Visayas on Sunday, January 4, resulting in scattered rain showers and overcast conditions.
Safety Measures and Impact on Local Activities
The persistent heavy rains prompted immediate local government action for public safety. The Municipality of Alegria has suspended all river-related activities until further notice due to dangerous conditions.
Authorities cited significantly risen and murky water levels in local rivers, a direct result of the shear line's impact. This suspension covers popular adventure sites, including:
- All activities at Kanlaob River (Kanlaob and Wonderfalls routes)
- Activities at Cambais Falls
The advisory explicitly warns that canyoneering and other river-based pursuits are currently hazardous.
Weather Outlook: From Clouds to Warmer Skies
A significant shift in weather is expected starting Tuesday, January 6. According to Dumdum, Cebu can anticipate hotter conditions as fairer skies and warmer temperatures begin to dominate the area, marking a transition away from the recent unsettled weather.
Meanwhile, Pagasa is keeping an eye on a cloud cluster located west of Palawan. As of Sunday, this system has not developed into a low-pressure area (LPA) and its potential for intensification remains low. However, forecasters note that in the coming days, particularly from the second week of January until the 15th, similar cloud clusters may persist over Western Palawan, with a possibility of a circulation developing.
The weather agency confirmed that as of Sunday, no LPA has formed within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and no potential weather disturbance has been observed on the country's eastern side.
