Rain to dampen SONA

MANILA, Philippines - Rains are expected in Metro Manila and other areas in the western section of the country today as President Aquino delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the state weather bureau said yesterday.

Robert Sawi, senior weather forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said a low-pressure area (LPA) off Eastern Samar is likely to intensify into a tropical depression within the next 24 to 48 hours.

 Sawi said the new disturbance, which will be locally named “Inday,” is not expected to directly affect the country. It will slowly move northward, skirting the eastern boundary of the Philippine area of responsibility towards the southern Islands of Japan later this week.

 The weather disturbance will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring light to moderate rains over the western section of the country, including the National Capital Region, Sawi added.

 As of 10 a.m. yesterday, the LPA was located at 780 kilometers east northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar or 865 km east of Virac, Catanduanes.

PAGASA said Palawan will experience occasional rains while Visayas and the regions of Bicol, Caraga and Davao, and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon will be cloudy with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms.