Low-pressure area to dump rains

MANILA, Philippines - The low-pressure area off the Philippine Sea that has a potential of developing into a cyclone is likely to veer away but it could still dump rains over some parts of the country this weekend, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised residents in the Caraga, Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga peninsula against moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

PAGASA weather forecaster Aldzar Aurelio also warned those in the western section of the country, including the Ilocos region, Zambales, Bataan and Metro Manila, to brace for rains due to the southwest monsoon.

“We expect the southwest monsoon to bring rains over the western section of the country on Saturday,” Aurelio told The STAR.

Aurelio, however, clarified that the weather agency is not yet declaring the onset of the rainy season despite the forecast of the entry of the southwest monsoon, which is an indicator of the rainy season.

“The southwest monsoon must be fully established first before we declare the start of the rainy season, plus the 25 millimeters of rain recorded in at least three PAGASA stations nationwide for three consecutive days must be met,” Aurelio said in Filipino.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the low-pressure area was spotted at 590 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes. It is embedded along the intertropical convergence zone, affecting the Bicol region, the Visayas and Mindanao.

If the low-pressure area  intensifies into a storm, it will be named “Dante,” Aurelio said.

He also said that a high pressure area north of Luzon was blocking the movement of the low-pressure area, preventing a direct hit to any part of the country.

PAGASA said one to two cyclones usually enter the country in June but most storms during this month don’t make landfall.

The agency also said that based on its data, there is an average of 18 rainy days in June.