Weather: Monsoon weakens but rains loom over 3 North Luzon provinces

The southwest monsoon affecting Northern Luzon has started to weaken on Monday morning but it will still bring widespread rains over at least three provinces in the region, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. In its 11:00 a.m. advisory, the PAGASA said there may be cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over Pangasinan, Benguet and La Union. "There will be cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over Pangasinan, Benguet and La Union today. Residents along these areas are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures," PAGASA said. PAGASA also cautioned fishermen along the coastal area of Northern Luzon to be alert for possible big waves generated by gale-force winds. Earlier on Monday, PAGASA warned of possible flash floods and landslides in parts of Northern Luzon due to the monsoon. In its 5:00 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA had said Northern Luzon may expect cloudy skies becoming widespread rains over the western section which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. On the other hand, Central Luzon will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. PAGASA forecaster Sonny Pajarilla also said isolated thunderstorms may take place in Metro Manila on Monday afternoon. - VVP, GMA News