Weather Today – September 18, 2015 | ITCZ prevails, rains to continue until weekend

The ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone), an area where winds coming from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet, will continue affecting Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced in Bicol Region, Visayas, CARAGA, Northern Mindanao and the province as Palawan. The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have generally fair weather aside from possible isolated thunderstorms.

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza says the effect of the ITCZ might continue within the next three days. Thus, a rainy weekend is expected over some parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the typhoon with international name “Krovanh” moves further away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Mendoza states two possible factors why it re-curved northward away from the Philippines–1) the prevailing El Nino, which cause most cyclones to form over the Central Pacific, moving in higher latitude as it nears the PAR; and 2) strong winds directing the path of the cyclone.

As of now, no gale warning is issued over the seaboards of the country. Due to slight to moderate seas, fishing boats and other seacraft can venture out into the waters. However, Mendoza says the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” may re-surge by Sunday or Monday due to an approaching cyclone. The public is advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau.