MANILA – A cloud cluster outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has developed into a low-pressure area (LPA) and is expected to enter the PAR between Wednesday night and Thursday (23 May 2024), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The LPA was last located approximately 1,255 kilometers east of Southern Mindanao.

“It may affect or make landfall over the Bicol Region – Eastern Visayas area by late Friday or Saturday,” stated Loriedin Galicia of PAGASA.

While generally fair weather is forecast for most parts of the country until Friday due to the easterlies, the eastern sections could experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the LPA, Galicia clarified.

The LPA’s potential to develop into a tropical depression (TD) remains low but is not entirely ruled out. Galicia also mentioned that there is a possibility the LPA could recurve over the Philippine Sea near the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas. Should this occur, it might develop into a TD by Friday or Saturday.

Over the weekend, the weather disturbance could bring scattered rain showers to the eastern portion of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.

“The scattered rain showers could trigger flash floods and landslides,” Galicia warned.

Other regions of the country are still expected to experience isolated rain showers, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

For further updates, stay tuned to PAGASA’s advisories.

(File by el Amigo/mnm)

MANILA — The Philippines may encounter its first storm of the year this month (February) should the observed low-pressure area (LPA) near General Santos City escalate into a tropical depression upon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), as reported by the state-run weather bureau on Thursday.

According to Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja, the potential tropical cyclone will be designated as “Aghon” upon its entry into the country.

As of the latest update, the LPA is positioned approximately 195 kilometers southwest of General Santos City.

Estareja noted that the LPA currently possesses a “very slim chance of intensifying into a tropical depression and entering PAR in the coming days.”

Nevertheless, its trough or extension is impacting regions in Mindanao and Visayas, where scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms are anticipated over the next 24 hours, according to the 5 a.m. advisory from the state weather bureau.

The northeast monsoon, known as “amihan,” is responsible for bringing partly cloudy to overcast skies with isolated light rains over Luzon, including Metro Manila, as outlined by Estareja.

“While generally fair weather prevails in most parts of Luzon, scattered downpours and thunderstorms may occur in the afternoon or at night,” added Estareja.

(By el Amigo/MNM)

A low-pressure area (LPA) currently under surveillance beyond the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is anticipated to approach the country over the upcoming weekend, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Weather specialist Aurelio Alczar has indicated that the LPA, situated approximately 1,310 kilometers to the east of eastern Visayas, carries a low likelihood of developing into a tropical depression.

While the former typhoon “Jenny” (international name Koinu) is gradually receding from landmasses and is not having a direct impact on the nation, it is still bolstering the southwest monsoon, which is affecting the western regions of North and Central Luzon.

Pagasa has forecasted generally fair weather for the country, with occasional isolated rain showers caused by thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

(JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)