LAOAG CITY, Philippines — Occasional heavy rains and cloudy skies will be expected to occur in Northern and Central Luzon this week due to the southwest monsoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Monday.

PAGASA weather forecaster Rey Gabuat said the southwest monsoon is expected to bring occasional heavy rains in provinces in Regions 1, 2 and 3.

Gabuat advised residents in the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Mt. Province, Ilocos Sur, Abra and Ilocos Norte to take all necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides caused by the heavy rains.

He also warned all fishermen at the coastal areas in Luzon provinces not to venture out into the sea this time due to big waves produced by monsoon surge.

It was reported that strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon as the wind is associated with the surge of the southwest monsoon.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headed by Undersecretary Benito T. Ramos warned all residents in the provinces in Region 1 and 13 other provinces in Luzon area for the possible occurrence of flashfloods and landslides due to the heavy rains expected this week.

It was also reported that the elements of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Northern Luzon are still on alert for the possible effect of southwest monsoon.