Three weather systems affecting PHL today

^{_{A wind map as of 8 a.m. Thursday shows the main weather systems acting on the Philippines at this time. Nullschool.net}}

 

The Philippines is caught in the middle of no less than three separate weather systems this Thursday, making for gloomy weather and scattered heavy rain across the country.

 

Most of this past week saw Typhoon Nona (international name Melor) crossing through central Philippines, bringing heavy rain to southern Luzon and Visayas. But by Thursday morning, the cyclone had already weakened into a low pressure area (LPA). Nevertheless, it continues to bring light rain to southwestern Luzon and parts of MIMAROPA.

 

Meanwhile, off to the northeast is a convergence of the Amihan winds and the easterly winds from the Pacific. The cold Amihan helped sap Nona's strength but, in combination with the easterlies, has also been bringing heavy rains into central Luzon.

 

And no sooner has Nona dissipated than a new disturbance rears its head off of Mindanao: Tropical Depression Onyok is on track to affect eastern Mindanao by Friday, prompting PAGASA to raise storm signals over the area.

 

"Kahit na pahina at pawala na si Nona, naririyan pa rin ang convergence ng Amihan at ang easterly winds na siyang nagpapaulan sa silangang bahagi ng Luzon. Dagdag pa rito ang paparating na si Onyok, na magpapaulan sa silangang Mindanao," said GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani" Cruz.

 

Moreover, the three systems will make for a gloomy weekend across the country. This Friday and over the weekend, intermittent heavy rains may be expected in eastern portions of the country, so the public is cautioned against related hazards including flash floods, land slides, and storm surges in affected areas. — GMA News