Orange rainfall warning issued for 23 Luzon provinces amid southwest monsoon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued an orange rainfall warning Sunday morning for 23 provinces across Luzon as the habagat, or southwest monsoon, intensifies over the region.

According to Pagasa's 5 a.m. weather outlook, accumulated rainfall in the affected areas is expected to reach up to 200 millimeters, posing risks of flooding and landslides in vulnerable communities. Among the provinces placed under the orange warning are Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and La Union, along with other parts of northern and central Luzon.

The orange alert classification indicates that heavy to intense rainfall is anticipated, requiring residents to remain vigilant and prepared for weather-related hazards. Local government units in the affected areas have been urged to monitor water levels in rivers and coastal areas, and to implement precautionary measures in flood-prone barangays.

The southwest monsoon typically brings significant precipitation to western portions of Luzon during the months of June through September. Pagasa continues to monitor atmospheric conditions and is expected to issue updates as the weather system develops throughout the day.