LPA east of Mindanao may intensify into a tropical depression

The low pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao may intensify into a tropical depression within 24 to 48 hours while moving towards Eastern Visayas or Bicol Region by mid-week.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin issued on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of the LPA at 735 kilometers (km) east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, the LPA west of Luzon or at 190 km west-southwest of Sinait, Ilocos Sur may continue to enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat.” This weather disturbance will continue to move away from the country in the next few days.

However, the LPA-enhanced “habagat” will bring light to moderate rains with at times heavy rains over Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan within the next 24 hours.

The rest of the country will be cloudy with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the “habagat” and LPA east of Mindanao.

The public is advised to remain alert during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially those in areas that are highly susceptible to flooding and landslides.

Rough to very rough seas are expected over the coasts of Batanes, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte.

Those using fishing boats and other small boats should not set sail over these seaboards, while larger sea vessels should be on alert for big waves, PAGASA advised.