New LPA enters Philippines; won't intensity into 'Kanor'

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday said a low pressure area (LPA) has entered the country's area of responsibility.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong said that as of 4 a.m. the LPA was spotted some 970 km east of Casiguran, Aurora (16.0ºN, 132.5ºE).

He noted that it was not expected to directly affect the country in the next two to three days since it would still be too far away to the country's landmass.

However, Quitlong said due to trough or extended cloudiness and wind convergence it will bring light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms over Eastern and Central Visayas, Caraga and Davao regions.

Based on numerical models, Quitlong said the weather disturbance has a slim chance to intensify into a tropical cyclone.

But Quitlong said the weather bureau continues to monitor the LPA since its in the sea.

But in case it intensifies into a tropical depression within the Philippine territory, Quitlong said it would be named “Kanor” -- the second cyclone to visit the country this month and the 11th for this year.

He said the agency has changed the name of the cyclone from “Katring” to “Kanor” as the former was already decommissioned by the agency.

Quitlong said the weather bureau still expects two or three more tropical cyclones to enter the country this month.

Quitlong said many parts of the country will continue to experience fair weather until weekend.

Quitlong said the rest of country including Metro Manila will have sunny to cloudy skies with possible isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms until Sunday.

In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the south to southwest with slight to moderate seas. PNA