LPA unlikely to become typhoon in 24 hours

The low pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao will not likely develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said, adding that it would not bring in the much-needed rains that usually mark the start of the rainy season.

But the LPA located about 220 kilometers east of Mindanao will bring light to moderate rains over eastern and central Visayas and the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

With June coming to a close, Pagasa said it was “unusual” that the country still had no cyclones when it usually experiences up to two cyclones at this time of the year.

“It is unusual that we have no cyclone during this time. This (low pressure area) is our chance to bring in the southwest monsoon (which) marks the start of the rainy season,” said meteorologist Gladys Saludes.

The state weather bureau said the El Niño phenomenon has delayed the onset of the rainy season, which it had initially forecast will start mid-June.

“Because of El Niño, the hot weather might extend up to the third week or the end of June,” according to state meteorologist Gener Quitlong.

According to Pagasa, 60 percent of the country has been affected by a drought or dry spell since October last year.

In May, 80 percent of the country received “below, to way below normal” rainfall.

Pagasa warned that the current “weak” El Niño will begin to intensify to “moderate” strength in August and will last up to early next year.

As a result, from August to December, most parts of the country will get less than the usual rainfall they receive during the rainy season.