Potential cyclone may bring rains, enhance 'habagat' this week
PAGASA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday, Aug. 24 said the low-pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao may develop into a tropical depression within the day and will bring significant rainfall over parts of the country.
As of 4 a.m., the LPA was spotted 445 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said the weather system has a high chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone.
If it develops into a tropical depression, it will be named “Jacinto.”
The LPA is expected to move west-northwestward toward the Visayas and Mindanao, bringing moderate to heavy rains as early as Sunday, particularly over Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and Davao Region.
“Whether or not it becomes a tropical cyclone, we expect this weather system to bring significant rainfall," Badrina said in Filipino.
The rest of the country is expected to experience generally fair weather, with possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
By Monday, Aug. 25, the weather disturbance is expected to affect areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, with moderate to at times heavy rainfall.
Badrina said the hoisting of tropical cyclone wind signals is possible.
From Tuesday to Wednesday, Aug. 26 to 27, the LPA or tropical cyclone is expected to continue moving across the Visayas and parts of Central and Southern Luzon, and may bring moderate to heavy rains in those areas, including Metro Manila.
By Thursday, Aug. 28, the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” may affect the western section of Luzon, and bring scattered moderate to ocasionally heavy rainfall.
Badrina advised the public to remain vigilant for possible flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas prone to these hazards.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Kajiki (formerly “Isang”), located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, is no longer expected to have a direct effect on any part of the country as it moves farther away.