ILOILO City – Western Visayas can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – Iloilo.
Jeff Patrick Maquiling, weather forecaster for PAGASA-Iloilo, said there remains a chance of rain, particularly in the afternoon and evening, due to possible localized thunderstorms.
“Based on our forecast, the weather in Western Visayas as we welcome the New Year will be partly cloudy to cloudy skies. It’s likely to be fair weather overall, but we can’t rule out possible localized thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon or evening,” Maquiling told Panay News on Monday, Dec. 30.
The cooler temperatures, particularly in the early mornings, are attributed to this weather pattern. PAGASA has not detected any low-pressure area (LPA) within or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), ensuring a typhoon-free New Year celebration.
The cloudy conditions are influenced by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a weather system bringing overcast skies to the region and other parts of the country.
“So far, we are not monitoring any LPA within or outside the PAR,” Maquiling added.
This month, the lowest temperature recorded by PAGASA-Iloilo was 19.1 degrees Celsius on Dec. 16. Current temperatures in the region range from 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, contributing to the chilly mornings.
Maquiling reminded residents returning to their hometowns for the holidays to take necessary precautions, such as bringing umbrellas or wearing hats, as cloudy skies may still bring light rain despite the absence of typhoons or LPAs.
For fisherfolk, while no gale warnings have been issued, Maquiling advised caution when venturing out to sea or crossing bodies of water.
“We urge the public to stay prepared and cautious, especially those traveling home. Although we are not expecting an LPA or typhoon, cloudy skies with potential rain remain a possibility, so it’s best to carry protective items like umbrellas when going out,” Maquiling said./PN
