MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon or "Habagat" continues to affect much of the country except for Mindanao, where warm weather is expected in the next 12 hours, according to state weather bureau Pagasa (Philippine, Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration).
In its 5 pm weather forecast, Pagasa forecaster Benison Estareja said that while the prevailing "Habagat" remains weak, heavy rains could be experienced overnight in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions as well as in Batanes and Cagayan provinces.
Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao including the Caraga, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) may expect rains overnight due to trough of the low pressure area located east of Mindanao.
Meanwhile, three weather systems are being monitored by Pagasa, including Typhoon Saudel, which is moving westward and could enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday, to be named as "Obet".
Estareja said that "Saudel" could strengthen "Habagat", which could lead to light to moderate and at times heavy rains over Ilocos, Zambales, Abra, Cagayan, Benguet, and Apayao provinces.
Most of Luzon should expect fair temperatures, while Zamboanga, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos Cities should expect temperatures of up to 34 degrees Celsius, with the heat index reaching up to 42 degrees.
