A new low pressure area (LPA) that is embedded along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) has formed east of Visayas on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the LPA has a slim chance of intensifying into a tropical depression but the weather disturbance may bring rain showers over Visayas and some areas in Luzon and Mindanao in the next 24 hours.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms may affect Visayas, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental due to the combined effects of the LPA and ITCZ.
As of 3 p.m., the LPA was at 240 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
Aurelio said the LPA may traverse Southern Luzon within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have generally fair weather conditions but with possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant as severe thunderstorms, which are often associated with short-lived heavy rains, may trigger flash floods or landslides.
Meanwhile, PAGASA has not issued a gale warning on Saturday as coastal water conditions remain slight to moderate.
Fisherfolk and those using small sea boats are safe to sail, it added.