The low pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao may enter the Philippine area of responsibility between Tuesday evening, Feb. 16 and Wednesday morning, Feb. 17, said a weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
Chris Perez said the LPA was seen at 1,530 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur around 3 p.m., Feb. 16.
"It has no direct effect yet over any part of the country but we will continue to monitor developments regarding this weather disturbance," Perez said.
PAGASA will issue its initial advisory on the LPA once it enters the PAR between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, he noted.
Perez said that based on the latest forecast, the LPA will move towards eastern Mindanao in the next three days, and may affect Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Southern Luzon in the coming days.
PAGASA has also not ruled out the possibility of tropical cyclone development before it hits the country, Perez pointed out.
Once PAGASA upgrades the status of this weather disturbance, it will be named "Auring," the country's first tropical cyclone of 2021.
Those in areas that have been affected by recent rains caused by the tail-end of the frontal system were advised to take necessary precautionary measures due to possible flooding or landslides from the approaching weather disturbance.
Moreover, Perez said a fresh surge of northeast monsoon or "amihan" may also prevail over Luzon by Wednesday or Thursday.