Pagasa still monitoring LPA even as it moves away from Mindanao

Pagasa satellite image

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is still monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) spotted near Mindanao although it has been moving farther away from the country’s landmass.

According to Pagasa’s latest bulletin on Thursday afternoon, the LPA is now located 600 kilometers east of Davao City. It was spotted 460 kilometers east of Davao City Thursday morning.

Nevertheless, the LPA is still expected to bring rains over the southern parts of the country, including areas affected by the recent earthquake in Tulunan, Cotabato, tomorrow, November 1.

“In our latest satellite imagery, as of now the northeast monsoon is affecting the Northern Luzon, while on the southern part, we are monitoring the low-pressure area,” Weather Specialist Raymond Ordinario said.

“We are expecting cloudy skies and occasional rain showers and thunderstorms especially in the areas which experienced earthquakes this morning. We are advising them to take precautionary measures because there is a big chance of rain over the weekend in the Mindanao area,” he added.

Pagasa said the LPA is seen to intensify into a tropical depression, although the weather disturbance may already be well outside the Philippine area of responsibility when it happens.

“We are still seeing the same scenario, there is a possibility that it would move along the Visayas-Mindanao area and will bring cloudy skies from the Bicol region down to the Visayas and Mindanao area tomorrow,” Ordinario explained.

Pagasa said most of Luzon will likely experience fair weather although there is a possibility of rain, especially in the afternoon, whereas the provinces of Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon, and those in the Bicol region may encounter cloudy skies with scattered rain showers on Friday.

Visayas residents , meanwhile, should expect overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms also on Friday.

Despite the LPA, no gale warning has been raised by Pagasa, which means that light boats may sail on any portion of the country’s seas. /kga