A Low Pressure Area (LPA) has formed over the Pacific Ocean, near the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), on Friday, Oct. 18, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja said the LPA was located 2,040 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas around 3 a.m.

In the next 24 hours, the LPA is not expected to enter or affect any part of the country. It is also not anticipated to develop into a tropical cyclone during this time.

However, along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), Estareja said another LPA may develop. It could enter the PAR over the weekend and become a tropical cyclone early next week.

The next tropical cyclone name on PAGASA’s list is “Kristine.”

Estareja advised the public to continue monitoring PAGASA updates regarding these weather disturbances.

From Saturday to Monday, Oct, 19 to 21, rains and thunderstorms may affect parts of Mindanao and Palawan due to the ITCZ—an area where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge.

By Sunday, rains and thunderstorms may also affect Cagayan Valley, Aurora, the rest of Southern Luzon, and the Visayas due to the trough of the LPA and the shear line.

The shear line forms when cold air from the northeasterly wind flow collides with warm air from the easterlies.

PAGASA warned against possible flash floods or landslides due to occasional heavy rains. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA also advised the public to stay vigilant as severe thunderstorms, which often bring heavy rainfall, lightning, thunder, and strong winds that usually last up to two hours, may trigger flash floods or landslides.