By Arlie O. Calalo, Manila Times
February 1, 2024
MANILA, Philippines: The country may experience its first storm of the year in February, that is if the low pressure rea (LPA) spotted in the vicinity of General Santos City would intensify into a tropical depression as it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state-run weather bureau said on Thursday.
Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja said that once the tropical cyclone enters the country, it will be named "Aghon."
As of posting time, the LPA is some 195 southwest of General Santos City. Estareja said, however, that the LPA has a "very slim chance of intensifying into a tropical depression and entering PAR in the coming days." However, its trough or extension is affecting areas in Mindanao and Visayas where scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms would be likely over the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said in its 5 a.m. advisory.
The northeast monsoon or "amihan" is bringing partly cloudy to overcast skies with isolated light rains over Luzon, including Metro Manila, Estareja said.
"It would still be generally fair weather in most parts of Luzon except for scattered downpours and thunderstorms in the afternoon or at night," Estareja said.