Pagasa: LPA may become cyclone

MANILA, Philippines - A low-pressure area yesterday developed in the northeastern part of the Philippine area of responsibility, and the state weather bureau said it might intensify into a cyclone in the coming days.

However, weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said current forecast track of the weather system showed that it is moving away from the country and is not expected to make landfall.

As of 11 a.m. yesterday, the low-pressure area was located at 420 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

It is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms over the Batanes group of islands.

“Light to moderate rains and thunderstorms (will be experienced) over the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Apayao and Babuyan group of islands,” added PAGASA.

It warned the public and disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned to take necessary precautionary measures in light of the weather disturbance.

Based on its extended weather forecast, the weather bureau said most parts of the country will experience partly cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms until Tuesday next week.

“Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the south to southwest with slight to moderate seas,” it said.