LPA to bring rains in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) east of Aurora and the southwest monsoon are expected to bring rains over large parts of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was spotted 435 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora. It was moving west-northwest at 10 kilometers per hour and had a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours.

PAGASA said the weather system is projected to cross Northern and Central Luzon and may strengthen if it reaches the West Philippine Sea.

Even if the LPA does not develop into a typhoon, it will still bring rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the Bicol region. Its trough will also bring rains to Southern Luzon.

The southwest monsoon will continue to affect Palawan, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental. Moderate to heavy rains may cause flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying and upland areas.

Luzon, including Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Bicol and Calabarzon, is expected to experience cloudy and rainy weather today with temperatures in the capital ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Palawan, Visayas and most parts of Mindanao will also have cloudy skies with rain and thunderstorms.

PAGASA said the LPA could exit the Philippine area of responsibility by tomorrow, while the southwest monsoon will continue to bring rains in western Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao until the weekend.