Rains to continue as Igme exits

MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon will continue to bring rains despite the exit of Tropical Depression Igme, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Igme left the Philippine area of responsibility before 5 a.m. yesterday after a brief passage and will turn west southwestward today as it dissolves into a low-pressure area.

Still, moderate to heavy rains of between 50 to 100 millimeters is forecast over parts of Pangasinan, Zambales and Bataan due to the southwest monsoon.

Igme was monitored 550 kilometers north of Itbayat, Batanes as of 3 p.m. yesterday and was carrying sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

Occasional rains due to the southwest monsoon are forecast over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon and Western Visayas will see scattered rains. The rest of the country may see isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned of flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.