Pagasa monitoring 2 LPAs; one may develop into storm in next 48 hours

MANILA, Philippines — Two low-pressure areas (LPAs) are being monitored by state meteorologists, with one above Luzon possibly turning into a tropical depression in the next 48 hours.

The latest forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) showed that the LPA 90 kilometers west-northwest of Calayan in Cagayan may progress into a storm.

In case the LPA up north would become a tropical depression, it would be named Helen, the eighth cyclone to enter the country.

While the agency is also looking at another LPA outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), 365 kilometers east of Davao City, it reported that the other LPA over east of Mindanao has already dissipated.

As of now, rains affecting western parts of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are brought by the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

Weather in Luzon is expected to improve in the coming days starting Tuesday, as Metro Manila’s temperature would range from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, while it may peak at 31 degrees in Laoag and Puerto Princesa.

But for Visayas and Mindanao, rain showers may still be felt due to the trough of the LPA.  Temperatures in Iloilo, Cebu, and Tacloban, including Davao and Zamboanga, would be around 25 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Pagasa warns residents living in flood-prone areas and near mountain slopes that flash floods and landslides are still possible, depending on the amount of rainfall an area would get.

No gale warning has been raised as of now, with sea condition would range from slight to moderate all over the country except in the eastern waters of Palawan, Ilocos Region, and the extreme northern Luzon where it would be moderate to rough due to the LPA’s position. [ac]