The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has announced that the southwest monsoon, or 'habagat', will continue to affect parts of Luzon. This weather pattern is expected to bring occasional rains to the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, and Bataan. Additionally, Metro Manila and surrounding areas, including Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera region, will experience scattered rains and thunderstorms. Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Ester is being monitored as it moves east of Taiwan, with its center located approximately 350 km north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts reaching 55 kph. Moderate to strong winds and rough seas are predicted for Northern Luzon and parts of Central Luzon, while the rest of the country will have light to moderate winds with slight to moderate seas. Overall, the habagat is likely to create a wet weather scenario across many regions in Luzon over the coming days.