A low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said early Saturday.
In its 2 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the weather disturbance, designated as LPA 08b, continues to be monitored as it may intensify.
Meanwhile, a separate weather system, Typhoon Dolphin, is being monitored within the Tropical Cyclone Information Domain (TCID), although it is not expected to directly affect the country at this time.
PAGASA also warned of heavy rains over several areas due to the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” which continues to enhance rainfall across Luzon and parts of the Visayas.
Under Weather Advisory No. 26 issued at 5 a.m., PAGASA said rainfall of 100 to 200 millimeters is expected Saturday in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.
Moderate to heavy rains ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters are forecast in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, and Antique.
Similar rainfall conditions are expected Sunday, with heavy rains persisting in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro, while moderate to heavy rains may affect nearby provinces including Metro Manila and CALABARZON.
By Monday, heavy rainfall is forecast over La Union, Benguet, Zambales, and Bataan, while moderate to heavy rains may continue across parts of northern and central Luzon, including Cavite and Batangas, as well as Occidental Mindoro and Antique.
PAGASA warned that rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas and that the impacts could be worsened by previous days of continuous rain.
The agency urged local disaster risk reduction and management offices to take necessary precautions to protect life and property. PAGASA’s regional divisions may also issue localized heavy rainfall warnings and thunderstorm advisories as needed.
The next weather advisory is scheduled for release at 11 a.m., unless significant changes occur.
