2 to 4 tropical cyclones expected in August – Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Two to four tropical cyclones are expected to hit the country in August, the state weather bureau said Monday.

The storms are all expected to mostly affect Northern Luzon, said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather specialist Ariel Rojas.

Meantime, a low- pressure area (LPA) has formed over the West Philippine Sea and is expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone while moving farther away from the country.

Pagasa last spotted the LPA 380 kilometers west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

The LPA will enhance the prevailing southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat”, which is affecting the whole country.

The Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region and the provinces of Cavite, Batangas, Bataan and Zambales will experience monsoon rains.

Rojas warned of possible flashfloods and landslides in these areas due to light to moderate and at times heavy rains.

Cagayan Valley will have isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon.  /gsg