PAGASA: No storms, fair weather expected until New Year weekend

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 29) — Filipinos will enjoy the New Year under clear skies as the state weather bureau forecasted «generally fair» weather over the weekend.

However, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) still warned of a slight possibility of rain due to the northeast monsoon (amihan) and easterlies (winds blowing from the east).

Speaking to CNN Philippines' New Day, weather forecaster Rhea Torres said cloudy skies and isolated rain showers could be possible over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, and other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA said no weather disturbances are expected over the year's final weekend.

«Since we are currently not monitoring any low pressure area or any tropical cyclones within and outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, we're expecting this coming New Year to be generally fair – or to experience generally fair weather conditions over large portions of the country,» Torres said.

Despite the forecast of fair weather until New Year's Day, PAGASA still advises the public to bring umbrellas in case of isolated rains brought by the amihan.

The bureau said the sudden burst of rain could be expected during late afternoons or during the evening festivities.