PAGASA: New LPA may develop this weekend
Rainy weekend over parts of Bicol, Visayas, Mindanao
Two-week tropical cyclone threat potential forecast (PAGASA)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring the possible formation of a new Low-Pressure Area (LPA) northeast of Luzon this weekend, which could bring rains over parts of Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region.
Despite a tropical depression currently located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) pulling the southwest monsoon (habagat) away from Luzon on Wednesday, June 25, weather specialist Loriedin Dela Cruz-Galicia said the public should remain alert as another weather disturbance may begin to affect the eastern parts of the country in the coming days.
As of 8 a.m., the tropical depression was spotted 630 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur.
“Na-de-deflect yung concentration ng hanging habagat papunta sa tropical depression kaya karamihan ng ulan ay offshore (The concentration of the southwest monsoon is being deflected toward the tropical depression, which is why most of the rains are now occurring offshore),” Dela Cruz-Galicia explained during a climate forum.
As the tropical depression moves westward toward southern China, the impact of the southwest monsoon over Luzon is expected to further weaken.
From Thursday to Friday, June 26 to 27, Dela Cruz-Galicia said moderate to occasionally heavy rains may still be experienced in Palawan and parts of Zambales, although overall monsoon activity is expected to decline.
From Saturday to Sunday, June 28 to 29, a new LPA could develop.
If it forms, its trough or extension could begin to bring scattered moderate to heavy rains over parts of Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region.
Meanwhile, Dela Cruz-Galicia said significant rainfall may continue over western Luzon due to the habagat.
The public is advised to remain vigilant against possible flooding and landslides in the coming days.