A new low pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur will likely bring rains over the eastern section of Mindanao within three days, a weather forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday, April 7.
Weather specialist Benison Estareja said the LPA was estimated at 790 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur around 3 a.m.
"Based on our analysis, this LPA will move slowly over the next three days westward. This means that from now until Friday, rains are possible in the eastern part of Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao region, as well as in Soccsksargen, and parts of Bangsamoro due to the trough or outer portion of LPA," Estareja said in its daily weather forecast.
The LPA has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, he added.
"Apart from the LPA, PAGASA is continuously monitoring the northeasterly wind flow that brings light rains over Luzon," Estareja said.
Based on the data of the PAGASA's Climate Prediction Section, Estareja noted the possible formation of another LPA outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) between April 5 and April 11.
"By April 12-18, this tropical cyclone threat or LPA may enter the PAR while moving westward, east of Mindanao," Estareja said.
It may slightly move upward close to Eastern Visayas, he added.
So far, the chance that the weather disturbance will intensify into a tropical cyclone remains low.
"Nonetheless, by next week rains are possible in the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao due to the trough of the LPA or possible tropical cyclone," Estareja said.