LPA outside PAR has even chance to be tropical depression

MANILA, Philippines — A low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has an even chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said.

In its early morning bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the LPA was located around 2,430 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas and could intensify into a tropical cyclone while still outside PAR.

“As of now, it is not directly affecting any part of the Philippines,” Pagasa weather specialist Leanne Loreto said.

If the weather disturbance develops into a tropical cyclone and enters PAR over the weekend, it will be given the local name “Francisco.”

“It is less likely that the system will make landfall in any part of the country,” Loreto added.

Pagasa, however, said it could then enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat” by Sunday or Monday.

Easterlies prevail

Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies are expected in Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and the eastern section of Mindanao.

“We expect hot and humid conditions to prevail across large parts of the country… although isolated rainshowers remain possible,” said Loreto.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country may also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly due to localized thunderstorms.

“Even during the rainy season, we can still experience hot weather because of the monsoon break,” explained Loreto.

No gale warning is inn effect, while coastal waters across the country expected to remain slight to moderate. /gsg