Shallow LPA east of Mindanao may not develop into storm but to bring rains

MANILA, Philippines — Even if the shallow low pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Mindanao is not expected to progress as a tropical cyclone, state meteorologists warned that this can cause rains in the region, particularly over the Southern Mindanao area.

Weather reports on Thursday afternoon from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that the LPA was last located 265 kilometers east southeast of Davao City.

The LPA lies along the intertropical convergence zone, which brings cloud bands over the southern part of the country.  According to Pagasa, people in the Southern Mindanao area should prepare for possible flash floods and landslides, especially residents living along low-lying areas and near mountain slopes.

Despite the low chance of the shallow LPA progressing as a storm — as it may dissipate in the coming hours — Pagasa assured the public that they are still monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, cloudy skies and cold weather would still be felt in Luzon especially Cagayan Valley due to the prevalent northeast monsoon or amihan.  Light to moderate rains would also affect Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Temperatures over Tuguegarao remain low at 21 to 27 degrees Celsius, while Laoag and Metro Manila would be slightly warmer at 22 to 31 degrees.  Legazpi would have something around 25 to 30 degrees, while Puerto Princesa may see temperatures of 24 to 31 degrees.

The eastern parts of Visayas and Mindanao may experience colder weather than the rest of the provinces, as Tacloban temperatures play around 24 to 29 degrees Celsius, Cagayan de Oro at 23 to 31 degrees Celsius, and Davao with 24 to 31 degrees.

In contrast, Cebu and Tacloban would have temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, and Zamboanga with 24 to 33 degrees.

Due to the northeast monsoon, gale warnings are placed over the entire Ilocos Region coastlines, extreme northern Luzon waters including northern Ilocos, Babuyan Islands, Batanes, and northern Cagayan, plus the eastern waters of Cagayan and Isabela.

Fisherfolk and boat transfer operators are advised against setting sail as waves may reach heights of 2.8 to 4.5 meters.

JE