A low pressure area that is bringing light to moderate rain showers and isolated thunderstorms to Mindanao may develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 to 36 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration warned yesterday.
The LPA was last estimated at 815 kilometers east of Hinatuan City, Surigao del Sur based on the PAGASA weather advisory issued at 10 a.m. yesterday. Eastern Visayas and Bicol are likewise affected by rains and thunderstorms.
State weatherman Gener Quitlong said the LPA entered the Philippines at 4 a.m. It was first located at 790 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
In an earlier forecast, PAGASA said cloudy skies with light to moderate rains are expected over Cagayan Valley and Aurora. Metro Manila, Ilocos regions, Cordillera, and the rest of Central Luzon will continue to be drizzly because of the lingering northeast monsoon or “amihan.”
Fishermen on the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboard of Northern and Central Luzon, and the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon and Visayas were alerted against strong to gale force winds that may generate 3.4- to 4.5-meter waves. (Aytch dela Cruz)