ITCZ, easterlies continue to bring scattered rains; LPA may affect Luzon this weekend
Parts of the country may continue to experience scattered rains due to the prevalence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the easterlies, while a low-pressure area (LPA) east of Eastern Visayas is expected to approach Luzon later this week, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said the LPA, located 1,150 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, is likely to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) soon.
The weather disturbance is expected to reach Northern Luzon as early as Friday, Aug. 22.
She said there is a possibility it could develop into a tropical depression either before or after crossing land.
If the system intensifies into a tropical cyclone inside the PAR, it will be named “Isang,” the next name on PAGASA’s list.
Regardless of the scenario, De la Cruz-Galicia said significant rainfall is expected in several parts of Luzon in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the ITCZ may continue to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over Palawan, while isolated rain showers may persist over parts of Mindanao within the next 24 hours.
PAGASA defines ITCZ as a region near the equator where the trade winds meet, pushing warm, moist air upward, and producing clouds, rains, and thunderstorms.
The easterlies, or warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, are also expected to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant for possible flash floods and landslides during moderate to heavy rainfall or severe thunderstorms.