New LPA seen off Eastern Samar waters, may intensify into Tropical Depression

MANILA, Philippines – A low-pressure area (LPA) spotted 640 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar may develop into Tropical Depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

The state weather bureau said during their Monday afternoon forecast that the LPA, which lies near the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), is not yet expected to affect the country’s weather systems in the coming days as it is still situated far from the landmass.

However, it may be one of the two to three tropical cyclones expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility for the month of June, as the rainy season approaches.  If the LPA progresses to a storm, it would be named Butchoy.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with possible rains will be experienced by a huge part of Luzon, especially in the Bicol Region area, due to the ITCZ.  Localized thunderstorms may also occur in other areas, bringing isolated rain showers.

The same could be said for Visayas and Mindanao, also because of the cloud bands moving along the ITCZ.

Despite the possible rains, temperatures in Metro Manila for Tuesday would range from 26 to 34 degrees Celsius, although predictions state that it may drop to 26 to 31 degrees by Thursday because of rains and thunderstorms.

Similar scenarios are expected in Cebu, as temperatures playing from 26 to 33 degrees Celsius on Tuesday may go down to 25 to 30 degrees.  In Davao, it may slide between 25 to 33 degrees.

Meanwhile, fisherfolk and small boat transport operators are allowed to set sail as no gale warning has been raised in any part of the country.  Sea conditions would range from slight to moderate except in areas where thunderstorms may be experienced.