LPA enters PAR, may develop into tropical depression

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday afternoon and may develop into a tropical depression, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said the LPA is expected to bring rain over parts of Mindanao and the Visayas in the coming days.

The LPA entered the Philippine area of responsibility at around 2 p.m. and was located some 1,000 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao.

The weather disturbance has a fair chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours and is expected to move closer to land today, with the closest approach between Friday and Saturday.

If the LPA develops into a tropical storm, it will be given the local name Ada.

PAGASA said rainfall associated with the LPA was expected over parts of Davao region and Caraga until last night, with possible flooding in the regions, Eastern Samar and Northern Mindanao as well as Sarangani.

Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region are expected to experience cloudy skies and rain later this week, particularly on Friday and Saturday.

While the chance of rain in Bicol remains low for now, the region may experience heavy downpour once the weather system approaches, which may complicate the situation with Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 3.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or amihan continues to affect northern and eastern Luzon, bringing cloudy skies with light rain over Cagayan Valley and the Cordilleras as well as Isabela, Cagayan and Aurora.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon are expected to experience generally fair weather, with only isolated light rains or localized thunderstorms.