Published February 18, 2023, 10:03 AM
The low pressure area (LPA) spotted near Mindanao remains less likely to develop into a tropical cyclone, but the state weather bureau’s latest forecast scenario showed that the weather disturbance will cross the eastern section of the Philippine landmass and trigger more rains in the next three days.
Last seen 285 kilometers east southeast of Davao City, the LPA continues to dump rains over Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region, northern Mindanao, Bicol Region, Romblon, Marinduque, and Quezon.
“[On Saturday, Feb. 18], the LPA will be closest to Caraga Region and eastern Visayas. By [Sunday, Feb. 19] it is expected to be in the Bicol Region, while on [Monday, Feb. 20] it will be in the eastern section of northern or central Luzon, and by that time another surge of the northeast monsoon will begin,” said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Specialist Benison Estareja in Filipino on Saturday, Feb. 18.
By Tuesday, Feb. 21 PAGASA expects the weather disturbance to dissipate while crossing the northern Luzon area.
Along with the LPA, the northeast monsoon, also called “amihan,” will bring light rains and cold winds in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. The lowest air temperature recorded on Saturday was logged in Baguio City: 13.0°C at 4:50 a.m.
Due to the strong to gale force winds associated with the northeast monsoon, a gale warning remained hoisted in the eastern seaboards of southern Luzon and Visayas and the northern and eastern Seaboards of Mindanao; the central and western seaboards of Visayas; the western and southern seaboards of southern Luzon; as well as the seaboards of northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of central Luzon.
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Fishermen with small sea vessels were advised not to venture out into the sea due to rough sea conditions.