Philippines to remain cyclone-free despite rains this weekend
Satellite image showing a low-pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAGASA)
The Philippines is expected to remain free of tropical cyclones over the next four days, but several areas may still experience rains due to three weather systems, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Friday, July 31.
PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said the low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone and may eventually dissipate.
It was last located 1,195 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon.
Before it dissipates, the LPA may bring scattered rains over Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and the Davao Region from Saturday to Sunday, Aug. 1 to 2.
Isolated rain showers and thunderstorms may also occur over the rest of the country during the period.
Meanwhile, a strong tropical cyclone with the international name “Dolphin” may remain outside the PAR, but its trough or extension may bring scattered rains over the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao from Monday to Tuesday, Aug. 3 to 4, Badrina said.
The enhanced southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” may also bring scattered rains over Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.
PAGASA warned that the rains may trigger flash floods or landslides, particularly in areas vulnerable to these hazards.