Undas 2023 cloudy with rains in most parts of PH, says PAGASA

Most of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with some rain as millions of Filipinos troop to the cemeteries for Undas to remember their dearly departed on All Saints' Day.

According to PAGASA's 24-hour weather forecast issued at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, a low-pressure area was spotted 185 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes while a shear line affects the eastern portions of Central and Southern Luzon.

The Northeast Monsoon or Amihan is affecting the rest of Central Luzon.

Due to the effects of the Northeast Monsoon, Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the rest of Central Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains while Cagayan Valley will have cloudy skies with rains.

Visayas, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, and Aurora may experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms because of the LPA and the shear line.

Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the localized thunderstorms.

Possible flash floods or landslides may occur in several areas in the country as a result of the weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Luzon will have moderate to strong winds with moderate to tough seas, while Visayas and Mindanao will have light to moderate winds with slight to moderate coastal waters.

The sun will rise at 5:51 a.m. on Wednesday.

DOH advisory

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday urged the public not to bring small children to cemeteries on All Saints' and All Souls' days to prevent injuries and diseases that may be caused by overcrowding.

In a statement, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa warned that although the number of COVID-19 cases in the country had been plateauing, the threat of the highly communicable disease remained.

Aside from COVID-19, Herbosa said children might also get other diseases due to the expected large crowds in cemeteries as well as the weather.

"I am advising parents and caregivers not to bring small children to cemeteries as overcrowding and intense heat and sudden unexpected downpour may cause diseases to small children," Herbosa said.

Herbosa added that there were still sporadic and increasing COVID-19 cases in some regions and small children have low resistance to infections.

He also cautioned against patronizing ambulant vendors inside and outside of the cemeteries selling green mangoes, sandwiches, fruit juices, and other similar foodstuff as these may be contaminated by unsafe water and other elements of the environment, which may compromise the health and safety of consumers.

The DOH advised the public to bring their own water and food to ensure their safety and prevent diseases when visiting cemeteries.

Bringing salads and other food that may easily spoil due to heat, however, must be avoided.

"We can all prevent contracting diseases when visiting our dearly departed loved ones. Let us be responsible with our actions and make our visit solemn," Herbosa said. —NB, GMA Integrated News