The low pressure area being monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration east of Luzon will likely intensify into a tropical depression within 24 hours.
The LPA, which entered the country’s area of responsibility at around 7 a.m., was 1,240 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City as of 10 a.m. yesterday, according to PAGASA weather forecaster Benison Estareja.
It is embedded on the intertropical convergence zone which is affecting the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao.
Estareja noted that the LPA could develop into a tropical depression by Thursday and will move towards extreme Northern Luzon by weekend.
“It is currently moving west,” Estareja said, adding that if the LPA maintains its track, it will move close to the Batanes area, which is almost the same track as typhoons “Ferdie” and “Helen.”
Should it intensify into a tropical depression, it will be given a local name of “Julian,” the second cyclone to enter the country’s area of responsibility this month and 10th this year.
The ITCZ will bring cloudy skies and light to moderate with occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over Samar and Masbate.
PAGASA warned residents in these areas of possible floods and landslides due to continuous rains.
Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and the rest of Visayas will have light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms. (Ellalyn B. de Vera)