The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued its early morning bulletin on Sunday, December 21, 2025, detailing a mix of weather systems affecting the archipelago. The state weather bureau reported that the northeast monsoon, locally known as 'amihan,' continues to influence extreme Northern Luzon. Simultaneously, the warm and humid easterlies are prevailing over the rest of the country, setting the stage for potential weather disturbances.
Regional Weather Threats and Warnings
According to the 4 a.m. advisory, specific areas are under heightened alert. In the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela, cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms are anticipated due to the shear line. PAGASA emphasized that this could trigger moderate to occasionally heavy rains, which may lead to flash floods or landslides.
The Batanes group of islands is facing similar dangers, directly impacted by the strengthening northeast monsoon. Residents can expect cloudy skies with rains that might intensify, posing comparable threats of flash flooding and landslides.
Widespread Rain from Easterlies
A broader swath of the country will experience unsettled weather due to the easterlies. The following regions should prepare for cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms:
- The Visayas
- MIMAROPA Region
- Bicol Region
- Aurora and Quezon provinces
- Dinagat Islands
- Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur
- Davao Oriental
PAGASA warned that moderate to heavy downpours in these areas carry the same potential for sudden flash floods or landslides.
For Metro Manila and the remaining parts of the Philippines, the forecast calls for partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, also driven by the easterlies. The weather agency advised the public to remain vigilant for possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.
Sea Conditions and Overall Outlook
The weather systems are also affecting maritime conditions. Extreme northern Luzon will have strong northeast winds and rough coastal waters. The rest of Luzon can expect moderate to strong winds moving east to northeast, leading to moderate to rough seas.
For the rest of the country, winds will be lighter to moderate, blowing from the east to northeast direction, resulting in slight to moderate coastal waters. In a reassuring note, PAGASA confirmed that no tropical cyclones are currently being monitored within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The public, especially those in high-risk areas, is urged to monitor updates from PAGASA and local disaster risk reduction councils. Precautionary measures should be taken to ensure safety against the impending weather hazards.
