Tropical Update

Luzon continues to bask in the sun while Visayas and Mindanao are being affected by rain showers. Rest of SE Asia also experiencing afternoon thunderstorms. Further north, a stationary boundary is bringing rains across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the rest of Southeastern China.

IR Image from NOAA

The said front is currently bringing heavy rains with strong wind gusts of up to 130kph across Hong Kong. HKO has already put out a warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds that could last into the evening hours. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, afternoon thunderstorms bring quick-hitting showers bringing relief into the hot temperatures. Rain showers are also affecting Southern Philippines today, courtesy of a monsoon trough. Parts of Eastern Mindanao such as Hinatuan are reporting nearly 150mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Further west, Cotabato has seen around 50mm.

Forecast Graphic (NOT OFFICIAL!)

Luzon

Much of the region will continue to see warm temperatures and clear skies. Temperatures will also continue to climb into the upper 30s, even 36C in Manila, during the afternoon hours. Some places, such as Cabanatuan, have recorded highs of 37C! Heat index is also in the upper 30s, sometimes even 40C. Unfortunately, there really is no respite from the heat and dry conditions. There could be some isolated thunderstorms, however, for parts of Northern Luzon come Wednesday; but aside from that, much of the region will remain dry for the most part.

Palawan is also seeing moderate to heavy rains, as much as 100mm of rain could fall here in the next 24 hours.


Visayas

While the bulk of the rain has stayed south in Mindanao, some showers have managed to drift their way into Visayas. Some places in Negros and Panay Islands are reporting light to moderate rain showers. Eastern Samar and Leyte areas also reporting scattered light rains. Scattered rains will continue through tomorrow although we're not expecting large amounts of rain unlike in Mindanao. Expect clearer skies by Wednesday.


Mindanao

Widespread light to moderate rains continue to affect the region today. Right now, the heaviest of rains are found in the Zamboanga Peninsula in the western sections of the island. Some rains also making their way into Eastern Mindanao. Moderate rains is forecast to continue for another 24 to 36 hours. There could be as much as 150 to 200mm of rain by the time the rain ends late Wednesday. After that, medium chances for rain remains, especially in Eastern Mindanao, as another wave is forecast to affect the area later this week.

We'll have another update on Thursday, April 19.
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Issued (0930 UTC) 530pm PhT 041612