Scattered rain showers to prevail over parts of Visayas, Mindanao
Several parts of Visayas and Mindanao may continue to experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the combined effects of the low pressure area (LPA) and intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday, July 19.
PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to occasional heavy rains in Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA warned that severe thunderstorms may also cause flooding or landslides.
LPA still likely to become tropical depression
Weather specialist Obet Badrina said the LPA, which is embedded within the ITCZ, was last seen 710 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at 3 a.m. on Wednesday. He said the LPA still has a “high” chance of developing into a tropical depression on Wednesday or Thursday, July 20. Once it becomes a tropical depression, this weather disturbance will be given a local name “Egay.” According to Badrina, the effect of the brewing cyclone will likely be felt by Sunday or Monday, July 23 or 24. PAGASA earlier said the LPA may approach Luzon next week. Badrina urged the public to continue monitoring PAGASA’s updates on this weather disturbance.