ITCZ rains keep Cebu on flood alert as weekend nears
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Flood-prone communities in Metro Cebu should stay on guard as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to bring rain showers and thunderstorms to the Visayas, even with no tropical cyclone directly threatening the country.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecast cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms over Metro Cebu and the rest of Cebu province on Friday, Oct. 9, with similar conditions expected through the weekend. Occasional heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods or landslides, especially in vulnerable areas.
What is the ITCZ and why does it matter for Cebu?
The ITCZ is a belt of clouds and storms near the equator where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres meet. It has been affecting the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan, according to Pagasa weather specialist Jhomer Eclarino.
This matters because rainy conditions and potential flooding do not depend solely on a tropical cyclone entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Even without a storm, the ITCZ can bring enough rain to cause problems.
Low-pressure area monitored but unlikely to develop
Pagasa is also monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) about 2,090 kilometers east-southeast of Luzon, outside the PAR. Eclarino said the LPA has a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within 24 hours and will not enter the PAR.
The LPA is not the system bringing the forecast rains to Cebu. The ITCZ is responsible for the expected showers and thunderstorms across the Visayas.
Weekend weather outlook for Metro Cebu
Friday will bring cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms. Saturday, Oct. 10, is expected to be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with rain showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures for Sunday and Monday, Oct. 11 and 12, are forecast at 26 to 32 degrees Celsius, with light to moderate winds and slight to moderate coastal conditions.
Rainfall can vary across Metro Cebu. Thunderstorms in one area do not mean every community will get the same amount of rain. Residents should monitor updated forecasts and advisories for changes.
Flood-prone areas urged to stay alert
Communities that have recently experienced flooding should pay extra attention. Heavy rainfall can cause sudden flooding, and local factors like drainage obstructions can affect how quickly water accumulates and recedes.
Residents should watch for official rainfall and thunderstorm advisories and follow instructions from local disaster-risk reduction offices, especially when conditions worsen.
As the ITCZ continues to affect the Visayas, staying informed and acting on official warnings remain key for communities already dealing with recurring floods.
“Too much water, too little outlet,” is how residents of Tambisan, Tisa describe the recurring flooding in their area, a reminder that local conditions often amplify the impact of regional weather systems.
Frequently asked questions about Cebu weather and flooding
Is a typhoon coming to Cebu?
No. The low-pressure area being monitored by Pagasa is outside the PAR and has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours. The rains are from the ITCZ.
Why does it keep raining in Cebu even without a storm?
The ITCZ, a convergence zone near the equator, is bringing rain showers and thunderstorms to the Visayas. This weather system can cause heavy rainfall and flooding even without a tropical cyclone.
What should residents in flood-prone areas do?
Monitor official rainfall and thunderstorm advisories from Pagasa and follow instructions from local disaster-risk reduction offices. Be prepared for sudden flooding, especially in areas with known drainage issues.