Luzon braces for heavy rainfall as monsoon intensifies over 18 provinces

MANILA — Residents across 18 provinces in Luzon are being advised to prepare for heavy rainfall on Monday as the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, intensifies over the region. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued the alert based on its early morning weather outlook, citing the enhancement of the monsoon system by Tropical Depression Pilandok.

The combination of the seasonal monsoon pattern and the tropical depression is expected to trigger significant precipitation across a broad swath of the Luzon region. Pagasa officials indicated that rainfall amounts could reach heavy to intense levels throughout the day.

The weather bureau advised residents in the affected provinces to remain vigilant for potential flooding and landslide risks. Authorities urged the public to monitor weather updates regularly and take appropriate precautions as the system moves across the archipelago. Disaster management officials were placed on standby to respond to any weather-related emergencies during the expected period of heavy rain.