LPA Enters PAR; Brings Rains to Eastern Sections of Visayas, Mindanao – PAGASA

(PNA) — The low-pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Tuesday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA.

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said that as of 10 a.m., the LPA was spotted some 990 kilometers east of Surigao del Norte (09.5˚N, 134.5˚E).

PAGASA said the weather disturbance is expected to bring light rains and isolated thunderstorms over the eastern sections of the Visayas and Mindanao within the next 24 hours. It advised the general public and disaster risk reduction and management councils to monitor the updates to be incorporated in the public weather forecast at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada said the LPA has slim chance to intensity into a tropical cyclone due to strong vertical winds shear coming from the easterlies — the dominant weather system affecting the country.

Cada said the agency continues to monitor and once the LPA develops into a tropical depression inside the country, it will be locally named “Dodong,” the fourth tropical cyclone to affect the country this year.

Cada said the easterlies or warm winds from the east that bring good weather continue to be the dominant weather system affecting the eastern section of the country.

He said the entire archipelago will have sunny to cloudy skies with possible isolated rains mostly in the afternoon and evening due to localized thunderstorm or convection.

However, he noted that the chances of isolated rains are high in the areas located in the eastern section of the country since it is affected by the easterlies.

He explained that since the easterlies or winds from the east are “warm,” the convective activity brought about by its intense heat triggers the formation of localized thunderstorm clouds.

He added that its “rich in moisture” quality also contributes in the formation of thunderstorm clouds. (PNA) SCS/CLTC/EDS