Brace for cloudy, rainy Christmas

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) urged the public, especially those traveling for the holidays, to monitor weather updates and remain alert for possible flooding or landslides as cloudy weather with isolated to scattered rains is expected to persist across parts of the country in the coming days, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

- MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

In its weather forecast on Saturday, December 20, PAGASA said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is affecting southern Mindanao, while the northeast monsoon or "amihan" is affecting extreme Northern Luzon. The easterlies, on the other hand, are influencing the rest of the country.

These weather systems, PAGASA said, are expected to bring periods of rain, thunderstorms, and cloudy skies across various regions, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides in the coming days.

December 19 to 20

From Friday to Saturday (Dec. 19-20), PAGASA said the ITCZ will affect Mindanao and Palawan, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Caraga and the Davao Region.