By Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz The formation of two to four tropical cyclones is likely in August, which could either make landfall or veer away north of the country, according to the state weather bureau. (MANILA BULLETIN) Based on the historical record of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), two to four cyclones usually enter or form inside the country's area of responsibility this August, which either move west or northwest of Northern Luzon. July-September period is the peak of southwest monsoon season, locally known as “habagat” and tropical cyclone activity is at its maximum. During the period, rain-inducing weather systems, such as thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, and intertropical convergence zone will dominate the season, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds, it added. However, monsoon breaks are likely to occur during the period. This Thursday, PAGASA said cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will still be felt in Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan, although the habagat has temporarily weakened. PAGASA weather specialist Ezra Bulquerin said they have monitored a new low pressure area (LPA) east of the country or still outside the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday. The trough or extension of the LPA will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region, he said. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms. PAGASA warned that sudden rains due to severe thunderstorm activity, especially in the afternoon or evening, may cause flash floods or landslides in low-lying or mountainous areas.