Monsoon, 2 LPAs to bring rains

MANILA, Philippines — More rains are expected over most parts of the country this week due to the southwest monsoon and two low-pressure areas, one of which was forecast to develop into a tropical cyclone.

A low-pressure area off Ilocos Sur and the southwest monsoon continued to dump rains over most parts of the country over the weekend.

The weather system was spotted 190 kilometers west southwest of Sinait town as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

It was forecast to dissipate within the next 24 hours, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Chris Perez.

The southwest monsoon, which was enhanced by the low-pressure area, will continue to bring rains particularly over Bataan, Zambales and Palawan today.

The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will continue to have cloudy skies with scattered rains.

Improved weather condition is expected over Metro Manila by tomorrow. By Wednesday and Thursday, the capital will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains.

Meanwhile, another low-pressure area was spotted 735 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

Perez said the weather disturbance was expected to intensify into a tropical depression within the next 24 to 48 hours.

It is projected to move generally northwestward toward the Eastern Visayas-Bicol area, he said.

By Wednesday, the Bicol region can expect rains with occasional gusty winds, he said.