The low pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Mindanao has a slim chance of becoming a tropical depression but could bring rains over Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Southern Luzon by Wednesday and Thursday (March 10-11), a weather forecaster said on Monday, March 8.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Loriedin Dela Cruz said the LPA was estimated at 1,695 kilometers east of Mindanao on Monday morning.
She said the LPA has no direct effect yet over the country as it is still outside the Philippine area of reponsibility.
"Mababa ang chance na maging tropical depression although pinaghahanda na natin ang mga kababayan sa Visayas, Mindanao, at ilang bahagi ng Southern Luzon dahil nakikita natin na malaki ang tsansa nito na magpaulan sa nabanggit na lugar pagdating ng Wednesday and Thursday. (The chance that the LPA may intensify into a tropical depression remains low although we are already asking those in the Visayas, Mindanao, and some parts of Southern Luzon to prepare because there is a high chance that rains may affect the said areas by Wednesday and Thursday)," she warned.
Dela Cruz advised the public to continue monitoring updates regarding this weather disturbance.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said the resurgence of the northeast monsoon or "amihan" may bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands Monday.
"Inaasahan na mararanasan din ang malamig na hangin sa nalalabing bahagi ng Northern Luzon this week dahil sa panandaliang bugso ng amihan. (The rest of Northern Luzon is also expected to experience the cold winds this week due to the short-lived amihan)," Dela Cruz said.
The rest of the country can expect "good" weather condition due to the prevailing easterlies, or the warm and humid winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, she added.
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms may persist across the rest of the archipelago.
However, Dela Cruz warned of possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms that may occur in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA has not issued a gale warning on Monday as sea conditions across the country will be slight to moderate.
Seafarers and fisherfolk are safe to sail but are still advised to observe caution when venturing out to sea.