2 low pressure areas spotted; storm nears PH

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is monitoring three weather systems that may bring rainfall to various parts of the country on Tuesday. As of 3 p.m. on Monday, a low pressure area was estimated at 600 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon province, while a similar weather system was spotted 515 km west of Coron, Palawan province. The weather bureau is also watching an active tropical cyclone outside of the Philippine territory. As of Monday afternoon, Tropical Storm “Chan-hom” was estimated at 1,780 km east of extreme northern Luzon. It slowly moved westward, packing maximum winds of up to 65 km per hour near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph. Based on its forecast track, the storm may enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday, and may exit on the same day. By then, it will be given the local name “Nika.”—Jhesset O. Enano