Storm-free Weekend; ITCZ Continues to Bring Rains Over S. Luzon, Visayas

Manila (PNA) — Filipinos can still expect a storm-free weekend while parts of Southern Luzon and Visayas will continue to experience cloudy skies with rains until weekend due to the presence of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday.

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

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Manny Mendoza said the ITCZ is now affecting Southern Luzon and Visayas.

Mendoza said the presence of ITCZ will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and the provinces of Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon and Mindoro.

He said the rest of the country including Metro Manila will have generally fair weather aside from the possible isolated thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, Mendoza added the weather bureau continues to keep watch on a new LPA outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (LPA) which is expected to enter the country by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Mendoza said the LPA\s location is approximately 2,400 km east of Visayas. It has high chance to intensify into tropical cyclone.

Once it intensifies into a tropical cyclone inside the PAR, it would be locally named “Jenny”, the 10th tropical cyclone to affect the country this year.

He added no gale warning was issued by PAGASA and fisherfolks are safe to venture into the sea. (PNA) JBP/CLTC