The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is closely monitoring the low pressure area (LPA) east of Visayas, which may develop into a tropical depression and potentially enhance the southwest monsoon in the coming days.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Grace Castañeda said the LPA was located 175 kilometers (km) east-northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, or 205 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, as of 3 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1.

She added that the LPA has a “high chance” of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

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

Castañeda explained that if it develops into a tropical depression, it could move northwestward and northward, remaining over the sea east of the country. 

However, it may graze the eastern parts of Visayas and Luzon.

While it is currently unlikely to make landfall, Castañeda said the scenario could still change since the LPA has not yet become a tropical depression. 

“We are not ruling out the possibility of landfall and will continue to monitor the situation closely. We encourage the public to stay updated,” she said.

As of Sunday, Castañeda said the LPA is causing cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms in Masbate, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Biliran.

PAGASA warned residents in these areas of potential flash floods or landslides due to “heavy to intense” rainfall.

The LPA may also bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Quezon, and the rest of Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and Bicol Region.

Residents in these areas are advised to stay vigilant against flash floods or landslides due to “moderate to heavy” rains.

Enhanced ‘habagat’

Likewise, the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” may bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, the rest of Visayas, and the rest of Mindanao.

There is also a possibility of flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy monsoon rains.

The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

PAGASA also warned that severe thunderstorms could lead to flash floods or landslides.

Castañeda said the habagat may strengthen in the coming days and bring heavy rainfall to a large part of the country, particularly the western sections of Southern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.