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)