MANILA – Expect a wet Wednesday (December 17, 2025) in many parts of the Philippines as four weather systems team up to bring scattered to widespread rains, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned in its latest bulletin. The culprits: the shear line, northeast monsoon (amihan), easterlies, and intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)—a combo that could spark flash floods or landslides in susceptible areas, especially with saturated soils from recent downpours.
The shear line and amihan will hammer Northern and Central Luzon with cloudy skies and rains, while easterlies and ITCZ drench eastern sections and southern islands. No tropical cyclones are tracked, but the multi-system setup promises intermittent showers—perfect for cozy indoor vibes, less ideal for outdoor holiday errands.
Affected Areas and Expected Conditions
- Northern Luzon (Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Ilocos): Cloudy with rains from amihan/shear line; possible heavy bursts in Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao.
- Central Luzon & CALABARZON: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated thunderstorms (easterlies influence).
- Bicol Region & Eastern Visayas: Scattered rains/thunderstorms (shear line/easterlies).
- Mindanao (Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN): Scattered rains from ITCZ.
- Metro Manila & Rest of Country: Isolated light rains or thunderstorms, mostly afternoon/evening.
PAGASA advises vigilance in flood-prone zones: “Even moderate rains can trigger hazards quickly.” No gale warnings yet, but northern coasts may see rough seas.
As Simbang Gabi continues and Christmas shopping ramps up, grab those umbrellas—rain might slow traffic but won’t dampen the season’s spirit.
Weather Systems Snapshot:
| System | Main Impact Areas | Rainfall Type |
|---|---|---|
| Shear Line | Eastern Luzon, Visayas | Scattered rains/thunderstorms |
| Amihan | Northern/Central Luzon | Cloudy skies with rains |
| Easterlies | Eastern sections overall | Isolated to scattered thunderstorms |
| ITCZ | Southern Mindanao | Scattered rains/thunderstorms |