Overcast skies and scattered rain showers are expected to affect several areas in Mindanao on Monday, April 21, due to the presence of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA weather specialist Rhea Torres said cloud clusters seen over Mindanao through satellite monitoring indicate the presence of ITCZ, which will bring cloudy conditions and rainfall, particularly in the southern parts of the region. Affected areas include the Davao Region, Surigao del Sur, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Meanwhile, fair weather with partly cloudy to cloudy skies and isolated rain showers or thunderstorms is forecast for Metro Manila and most other parts of the country due to the prevailing easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean.
No tropical cyclones are expected to develop or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the coming days. PAGASA also did not issue any gale warnings for the country’s seaboards.
Despite the rainy conditions in the south, dangerous heat index levels are expected in parts of Luzon and the Visayas. PAGASA reported that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) station in Pasay City is forecast to record a heat index of 44°C—classified under the “danger” category. This level of heat index may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with heat stroke possible following prolonged exposure.
Other areas expected to experience a 44°C heat index are Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Aparri in Cagayan. Meanwhile, 43°C is forecast in Tuguegarao City, Echague in Isabela, Subic Bay in Olongapo City, San Ildefonso in Bulacan, and Sangley Point in Cavite City.
Several locations are also expected to register a 42°C heat index, including Bacnotan in La Union, Casiguran in Aurora, Tanauan in Batangas, San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Daet in Camarines Norte, Masbate City, Pili in Camarines Sur, Dumangas in Iloilo, Catarman in Northern Samar, and Zamboanga City.
PAGASA earlier announced the start of the dry season on March 26, marking the end of the northeast monsoon or “amihan” in most areas across the country.