LPA Embedded in ITCZ Brings Rains over Visayas, Mindanao

Manila — The low pressure area which has entered the country’s area of responsibility will bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said as of 4 a.m. the LPA was spotted some 850 km east of Virac, Catanduanes (13.5ºN, 133.0ºE).

He added the LPA is embedded at the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Visayas and Mindanao.

He said the agency’s numerical models continued to show that the weather disturbance has a slim chance to become a tropical depression but the agency continues monitoring it.

PAGASA expects two to three storms to hit the country for month of July.

He added that the next tropical cyclone that will visit the country will be named “Florita.”

Perez also said they have monitored another low pressure area located in the eastern part outside the country.

He said it is still too far to affect the country but is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in the next two days.

For Wednesday forecast, due to LPA and ITCZ, Perez said Visayas and the regions of Bicol, Caraga and Davao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms. In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds coming from the southwest to south will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

It added light to moderate winds blowing from the southwest to west will prevail over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas. (PNA) JBP/CLTC