By Ellalyn V. Ruiz
The two low-pressure areas being monitored by weather forecasters will continue to bring rains over most of the western and eastern sections of the country during the opening of school this week.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said the LPA west of Palawan has left the country’s area of responsibility but the LPA east of Surigao del Sur is seen to move closer to the country.
Both weather disturbances are embedded inside the intertropical convergence zone, a weather system that serves as breeding ground for tropical cyclones.
Moderate to occasional heavy rain showers and thunderstorms will prevail over Eastern Mindanao, Western Visayas, and Palawan today and tomorrow. PAGASA warned residents in these areas against possible flash floods and landslides.
The rest of Visayas and Mindanao will have scattered light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms until tomorrow.
According to PAGASA weather specialist Ezra Bulquerin, the LPA over the West Philippine Sea may intensify into a tropical depression within 36 hours.
Even if it is already outside the PAR, Bulquerin said the extension of the LPA will bring rains over the western portion of the country, including Metro Manila, by Tuesday.
