Weather Today – August 19, 2017 | LPA to enter PAR

Rains are more likely to prevail due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which will continue to affect Southern Luzon and Visayas. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains are expected in Visayas and the regions of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Bicol.

Residents in said areas are alerted against occasional heavy rains, gusty winds and lightning when thunderstorms occur. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains and possible thunderstorms.

In an interview with Panahon TV, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez said the downpour in Metro Manila and nearby provinces yesterday was brought by isolated thunderstorms and not by a weather disturbance. Thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon or evening, where the accumulated heat triggers the formation of cumulonimbus or thunderstorm clouds.

Meanwhile, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was spotted outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Based on the latest data, it was located at 1,475 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. Perez noted that it may enter the PAR within the day and is also expected to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 to 48 hours.

If it develops into a tropical cyclone inside the Philippine premises, it will be named as “Isang”, the 9th “bagyo” this year. The initial assessment of PAGASA shows that this weather disturbance may directly affect Extreme Northern Luzon, where it is expected to bring heavy rains and gusty winds.

Perez added that it could intensify or enhance the Southwest Monsoon or Hanging Habagat, bringing chances of rains in portions of Luzon and Visayas. As of now, the LPA has no effect yet to any part of the country, but the public is advised to monitor updates.