Cebu City Prepares for Rainy Start to February as Weather Systems Converge
Pedestrians in Cebu City have been spotted using umbrellas to shield themselves from persistent rainfall, a sight expected to continue through the first week of February. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas, residents across Cebu can anticipate mostly cloudy skies with intermittent showers during this period, driven by the combined influence of a shear line and the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan.
Detailed Forecast and Weather Specialist Insights
In a phone interview on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Pagasa Visayas weather specialist Ana Dumdum provided a comprehensive outlook. She indicated that weather conditions are likely to remain predominantly cloudy until Tuesday, February 3, with the shear line primarily affecting Eastern Visayas. However, parts of northern Cebu may experience the most significant impact from this disturbance, leading to scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms.
Dumdum further elaborated that a surge of the northeast monsoon is projected to intensify in the first week of February, contributing to intermittent light rains that could occasionally escalate into thunderstorms. This combination of weather systems poses risks beyond mere inconvenience.
Hazards and Warnings for Residents and Mariners
Pagasa has issued specific warnings in light of the forecasted conditions. Small sea vessels, in particular, may encounter hazardous situations, making island-hopping trips risky during this timeframe. The agency advises caution for maritime activities, emphasizing the potential for moderate to rough seas in affected areas.
Additionally, the weather bureau highlighted the possibility of flash floods or landslides in regions experiencing moderate to heavy rains. Areas under watch include the Visayas, Romblon, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Camiguin, and Misamis Oriental.
Broader National Impact and Regional Variations
The shear line is expected to bring scattered rains over extensive portions of the country, as noted in Pagasa's 4 a.m. bulletin on Saturday. For the Visayas and specified provinces, cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms are forecast, necessitating vigilance among residents.
Meanwhile, other regions will experience varied conditions. The rest of Mindanao is predicted to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, driven by localized weather systems. Metro Manila and the remaining parts of the country will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains, attributable to the northeast monsoon.
Wind and Sea Conditions Across the Archipelago
Pagasa detailed the expected wind and sea patterns, which vary by region:
- Northern and Eastern Luzon and Visayas, Eastern Mindanao: Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas.
- Rest of the Philippines: Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.
Outlook for the Second Week of February
Looking ahead to the period from February 4 to 10, Pagasa Visayas indicated a low probability that cloud clusters will develop into a low-pressure area. Dumdum explained that significant uncertainty remains, as these clusters are still under monitoring outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. This suggests that while the immediate week may be wet, the following week's weather remains less predictable, with ongoing observations required.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated with Pagasa's latest bulletins and take necessary precautions, especially in flood-prone or landslide-susceptible areas, to ensure safety during this rainy spell.
