Three Weather Systems to Cause Widespread Rain, Heavy Showers in Northern Luzon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecasted that three weather systems will bring widespread rain across most parts of the Philippines on Thursday, accompanied by a heavy rainfall advisory for the provinces of Apayao and Cagayan.

In its 4 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA identified the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting southern Mindanao, the shear line impacting the eastern areas of northern Luzon, and the northeast monsoon or "amihan" influencing the remainder of northern Luzon.

As a result of the ITCZ, regions including Davao, Soccsksargen, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan are expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

The shear line is forecast to bring cloudy conditions with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms to the Cordillera Administrative Region, as well as provinces such as Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Aurora.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon will produce cloudy skies with rainfall in Batanes and Ilocos Norte.

Metro Manila and other parts of the country are predicted to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to easterly winds.

PAGASA's heavy rainfall outlook warns that Apayao and Cagayan could receive between 50 to 100 millimeters of rain on Thursday and Friday. This level of precipitation may lead to localized flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas or those close to rivers. There is also a risk of landslides in regions prone to such hazards.

Residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against weather-related risks.