The trough or extension of the low pressure area (LPA) spotted outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) is now affecting the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao according to the state weather bureau.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Specialist Benison Estareja, on Thursday, Dec. 8, said the weather disturbance was last spotted 1,265 kilometers (km) east of Mindanao.

“Hindi direktang nakakaapekto ang LPA, subalit kung mapapansin sa latest satellite animation ay yung trough nitong LPA ay nagpapaulan na sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas, Mindanao, and even parts of Bicol (The LPA is not directly affecting the country, but here in the latest satellite animation, the through of this LPA is already bringing rains in parts of Visayas, Mindanao, an even parts of Bicol),” said Estareja in a public weather forecast.

These particular areas include Caraga, Davao Region, northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, eastern Visayas, central Visayas, Catanduanes, Albay, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

Residents of these areas were told to prepare and be vigilant against flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains that the trough of LPA may bring.

Potential cyclone

Based on PAGASA’s latest Tropical Cyclone Threat Potential forecast, the LPA will likely move towards the eastern Visayas and Bicol region area. It is also expected to enter the country’s area of responsibility in the next 24 hours.

“Tomorrow, it will approach CARAGA and eastern Visayas. It will be a close approach so rain showers are expected in large parts of Visayas and Mindanao. By the weekend, it will approach eastern Visayas, Bicol region, and parts of southern Luzon,” Estareja added.

The said weather disturbance has a “moderate chance” of developing into a cyclone. Once it develops into a tropical cyclone, it will be given the local name Rosal, the country’s 18th cyclone in 2022 and the first in December.

Shear line affecting N. Luzon

Apart from the LPA, PAGASA is also monitoring the shear line which is bringing rains in northern Luzon. This weather system will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte until Friday, Dec. 9.

“Inaasahan sa mga susunod na araw na itong shear line ay bababa at magpapaulan sa malaking bahagi ng eastern Luzon (In the next few days, it is expected that this shear line will descend and bring rains in most parts of eastern Luzon),” Estareja furthered.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country, on the other hand, may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.