A low pressure area (LPA) may bring rainy weather over Mindanao and some parts of Visayas within 24 hours, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA estimated the location of the LPA at 395 kilometers east-southeast of Davao City and Davao del Sur around 3 p.m.

It is expected to directly affect Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Central Visayas within 24 hours, bringing cloudy skies with moderate to at times heavy rains over those areas, according to weather specialist Raymond Ordinario.

If the LPA assumes a higher track, the whole Visayas may also be affected by rains in the next few days, he said.

Ordinario noted that the LPA is still less likely to develop into a tropical depression within the 24-hour monitoring period but a possibility of intensification is not totally eliminated beyond that span.

Based on the forecast models used by PAGASA, Ordinario said the LPA may develop into a tropical depression after crossing the Mindanao landmass once over the Sulu Sea, or after crossing Palawan when it emerges over the West Philippine Sea during the weekend.

It will be named "Vicky" once it intensifies into a tropical depression, Ordinario said. It could be the first cyclone to form inside the Philippine area of responsibility this month.

"During this time of the year, ang mga bagyo sa southern part ng bansa dumadaan dahil sa malakas na amihan na nagdudulot naman ngayon ng may kalamigang panahon at maulan na panahon sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon. (During this time of the year, cyclones tend to move across the southern part of the country due to the strong northeast monsoon that brings cold weather and rainy weather in large parts of Luzon)," he explained.

This Friday, the northeast monsoon or "amihan" may also continue to bring rains over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Abra, Benguet, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Masbate, Aurora, and Quezon.

PAGASA warned against possible flash floods or landslides that may occur during moderate to heavy rainfall in areas affected by the LPA and amihan.

The amihan may also bring isolated light rains over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon but may not have significant impact over these areas.

Isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms may affect Western Visayas.

The public is advised to take precautionary measures in case flash floods or landslides occur during severe thunderstorms.

A gale warning was still in effect on Thursday afternoon due to strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of amihan.

Rough to very rough seas, with waves that may reach 2.8 to 4.5 meters, may prevail over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon, and eastern seaboards of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Fishing boats and other small boats were advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels were asked to remain alert against big waves.