More rain expected in Mindanao; NCR weather dips to 18.8 degrees Celsius

State weather forecasters on Monday cautioned against further rains in flood-stricken Mindanao, and posted the coldest weather so far this year in Metro Manila: a chilling 18.8 degrees Celsius.

 

PAGASA forecaster Alvin Pura said the temperature was recorded at the Science Garden in Quezon City, which he said is generally representative of temperatures across Metro Manila.

 

"Ngayong araw naitala pinakamababa sa Science Garden, 18.8 degrees. Ito ang pinakamababa ngayong Enero," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

Last week, PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier said the lowest temperature recorded so far at the Science Garden this year was 19.5 degrees.

 

On the other hand, Baguio City experienced its coldest temperature so far this year last Friday, at 9.5 degrees Celsius.

 

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Metro Manila was 14.5 degrees Celsius, on January 11, 1914. On the other hand, the coldest temperature ever recorded for the entire country was in Baguio City on January 18, 1961, at 6.3 degrees Celsius.

 

PAGASA forecasters earlier said the lower temperatures may last until at least February due to the northeast monsoon.

 

The cold weather also prompted Malacañang to remind the public last weekend to take precautions against the flu.

 

More rain over Mindanao

 

Meanwhile, PAGASA said more rain may fall over parts of Mindanao that had been hit by flash floods during the weekend.

 

PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier said the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is affecting Southern Mindanao while the northeast monsoon is affecting Luzon.

 

"Ang ITCZ, nasa baba, hindi direktang tumatama sa Mindanao, nasa Southern Mindanao," Javier said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

But he said Mindanao and Eastern Visayas may expect cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms.

 

Flash floods hit several areas in the Davao area last weekend, prompting the evacuation of several residents.

 

Javier also said Cagayan Valley and Bicol regions, as well as Aurora and Quezon provinces may expect cloudy skies with light rain.

 

Metro Manila and the rest of the country may be partly cloudy with isolated rain showers.

 

Javier also warned of big waves at the seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao.

 

"Mga 3.4 to 4.5 meters, maalon ito hanggang sa napakaalon," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Javier said there is no low-pressure area spotted near the Philippine area of responsibility at this time. — TJD, GMA News