Residents across Central Visayas should prepare for a damp and cloudy weekend as the easterlies are set to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to the region, according to the state weather bureau.
Weekend Weather Outlook for Cebu and Central Visayas
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued its latest forecast on Saturday, December 20. The primary weather system influencing the Visayas is the easterlies—warm winds originating from the Pacific Ocean.
Metro Cebu and the rest of Cebu province can expect generally cloudy skies with intermittent rain showers and possible thunderstorms from Saturday through Sunday. The temperature in Cebu on Saturday, December 20, is projected to be between 26°C and 30°C, with light to moderate winds coming from the northeast.
Conditions for Sunday, December 21, will be similar, though temperatures may dip slightly to a range of 26°C to 28°C. Coastal waters are forecast to be slightly to moderately choppy, with wave heights anticipated to be from 0.6 to 2.5 meters.
No Active Storm, But Potential for Disturbance
Pagasa clarified that despite the persistent rainy conditions, no low pressure area (LPA) is currently being monitored inside or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
“At present, we are not monitoring any low pressure area,” stated Pagasa Weather Specialist Mark Gales. However, he emphasized that the bureau is keeping a close watch on the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) to the south, a known breeding ground for weather disturbances.
Gales explained that based on Pagasa’s Tropical Cyclone Threat Potential forecast, there is a possibility an LPA could develop east of Mindanao or the Visayas in the coming days. “The ITCZ is recognized as a breeding ground for Low Pressure Areas and tropical cyclones, which is why we continue to monitor it closely,” he added.
He stressed, however, that even if an LPA forms, the chance of it intensifying into a tropical cyclone remains low at this time.
Safety Advisories for Residents and Mariners
Pagasa has issued warnings for potential hazards associated with the forecasted weather. While the rains may not be continuous, afternoon or evening thunderstorms could trigger sudden heavy downpours.
“All are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards, which include flash floods and landslides,” the agency stated in a regional advisory.
Authorities also urged fisherfolk and operators of small sea vessels to exercise caution. Localized thunderstorms can generate sudden gusty winds and create higher, more dangerous waves in coastal areas.
