LPA enters PH, but unlikely to become typhoon

A low pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine area of responsibility at 8 a.m. on Friday. The LPA, which was spotted 730 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, is unlikely to become a typhoon but would still bring rains to many parts of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. In its 4 p.m. weather forecast, Pagasa said the extension or trough of the LPA together with the shear line is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over the Bicol region, Visayas and northern Mindanao, including Caraga, Davao region and Palawan. Meanwhile, the “amihan” or northeast monsoon will continue to affect Luzon, causing cloudy skies and light rains in the Cagayan Valley and Apayao. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies is expected for Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon with isolated light rains. —Gillian Villanueva