LPA Dissipates, But Rains to Continue Due to ITCZ

Most parts of the country will continue to experience cloudy skies with rains on Thursday due to the presence of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Shaira Nonot said the ITCZ is now affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

ITCZ, which is the thick clouds coming from the south of Asia, is considered a breeding ground for low-pressure areas (LPAs) or potential cyclones.

Nonot said the low pressure area seen hovering since last week has already dissipated on Wednesday.

For Thursday forecast, Nonot said the presence of ITCZ will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon and Mindoro.

She said fair weather or partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms will prevail over the rest of the country including Metro Manila.

She added the weather bureau is keeping watch of a new LPA outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Nonot said the LPA spotted approximately 2,500 km east of Visayas.

She added a storm free weekend is possible but expect two to four tropical cyclones to affect the country this month.

The next tropical cyclone would be locally named “Jenny”, the 10th tropical cyclone to affect the country this year.

She added no gale warning was issued by the state weather bureau as fisherfolks are safe to venture out to sea. (PNA) JBP/CLTC