ITCZ to bring rains to M. Manila, other parts of PH

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the converging of winds coming from the northeast and southeast which triggers thunderstorms and rain showers, will continue to affect most parts of the country bringing rains, the state weather bureau said on Friday.

In its weather update issued Friday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorm will prevail over Mindanao, Western and Central Visayas, and MIMAROPA due to the ITCZ.

PAGASA warned residents in areas affected by the rain-induced weather system of possible flash floods or landslides during moderate to at times heavy rain showers.

Meanwhile, localized thunderstorms will affect Metro Manila and the rest of the country, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers.

Flash floods or landslides are also possible in areas affected by localized thunderstorms during severe thunderstorms, PAGASA added.

The weather agency had earlier said that two to four tropical cyclones may enter the Philippine area of responsibility this month but they are not expected to directly affect the country.

The state weather agency announced last month the onset of the rainy season in the country following the occurrence of scattered thunderstorms, a tropical depression, and the southwest monsoon which have poured a significant amount of rains over the western section of Luzon and Visayas.