The low-pressure area (LPA) being monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has entered the country’s area of responsibility on Monday afternoon, July 17.
PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the LPA was spotted 925 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao at 3 p.m.
He advised the public to continue monitoring updates on this weather disturbance, as it will likely develop into a tropical depression within 24 to 48 hours.
The latest forecast track also shows that the LPA may approach the northern part of the country in the coming days.
Based on PAGASA’s list of tropical cyclone names for 2023, the next cyclone will be named “Egay.”
Following the passage of tropical storm Dodong last weekend, Egay may become the second cyclone to enter the country’s area of responsibility this month.
‘Habagat’ weakens
Meanwhile, Aurelio said the LPA has no direct effect on the country yet, but the southwest monsoon or “habagat” may continue to bring rain showers over some areas in the next 24 hours.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms may prevail over Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Guimaras.
PAGASA said the frequency of monsoon rains will gradually decrease as tropical storm Dodong's influence on the habagat weakens.
However, PAGASA said that isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms may still occur in some areas.
It warned that severe thunderstorms could cause flash floods or landslides.