Predawn rain not from cyclone, to continue until Friday – PAGASA

The predawn rain that fell on parts of Metro Manila Tuesday night and before dawn Wednesday are not from a cyclone but from southwest monsoon enhanced by cyclone "Mina" (Nanmadol), which has just exited the Philippines, state weather forecasters said. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Manny Mendoza also said rain is still expected over various parts of the country for at least two more days. "Habagat pa rin ang dahilan ng ulan. Dalawa ang system na naging dahilan ng pagkaroon ng habagat, si 'Mina' at si 'Talas,' ang bagyong paakyat papuntang Japan. [Ang huli] ay hindi na ito papasok ng Philippine area of responsibility pero ang dalawang bagyo humahatak ng hanging habagat," Mendoza said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said Mina is now heading for China after battering Northern Luzon last weekend. Mina left at least 25 dead and P1.1 billion in damage to property. Mendoza said the monsoon rain will last for at least two more days. "We can expect more rain in the next two days especially in Northern and Central Luzon, including western parts of Southern Luzon and Visayas," he said. PAGASA's 5 a.m. bulletin indicated "Northern and Central Luzon will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over the western section which may trigger flashfloods and landslides." — LBG, GMA News