Weather Bureau Issues Nationwide Alert for Shear Line and Amihan Effects
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has released a comprehensive weather bulletin, forecasting that the shear line and the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, will bring light rains to various parts of the country. This advisory, issued early Saturday, highlights potential risks including flash floods, landslides, and hazardous sea conditions.
Shear Line Impact on Specific Regions
According to PAGASA's 4 a.m. update, the shear line is expected to cause cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms in several key areas. The affected regions include:
- Caraga
- Davao Region
- Eastern Samar
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Camiguin
- Misamis Oriental
The weather bureau has issued a warning that moderate to at times heavy rains in these locations could lead to flash floods or landslides. Residents and travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about local conditions.
Northeast Monsoon Effects Across the Country
Simultaneously, the northeast monsoon is influencing weather patterns in other parts of the Philippines. Cloudy skies with light rains are forecast to prevail over:
- Cagayan Valley
- Bicol Region
- Western Visayas
- The rest of Eastern Visayas
- The rest of Northern Mindanao
- Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao
- Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, and Oriental Mindoro
In Metro Manila and the remaining areas of the country, the amihan will result in partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains, indicating a widespread but milder impact.
Maritime Hazards and Safety Precautions
PAGASA has also highlighted significant maritime concerns due to the weather systems. Strong to gale-force winds and rough to very rough seas are anticipated over the eastern sections of the Visayas and Mindanao. In response, the agency has declared sea travel risky for small seacraft, including all motor bancas regardless of type or tonnage.
Mariners operating such vessels are strongly advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor until conditions improve. For the rest of the archipelago, moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas are expected, though these conditions are generally less severe.
This weather update underscores the importance of heeding PAGASA's warnings to ensure public safety during this period of increased meteorological activity. Stay tuned for further bulletins as the situation evolves.
