The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring a Low Pressure Area (LPA) located east of Mindanao that is expected to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms across much of the Philippines this week. Weather officials indicate the system may intensify into a tropical depression by Wednesday as it interacts with the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat."
Where is the LPA located?
As of Monday, the LPA was spotted in the vicinity of Surigao, according to data from PAGASA. The weather bureau reports that the system is currently moving within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). While the disturbance is still in its early stages, meteorologists are tracking its potential to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 to 72 hours.
How will the ‘Habagat’ impact the weather?
The LPA is currently enhancing the southwest monsoon, which is drawing moist air from the ocean toward the Philippine archipelago. This interaction is the primary driver for the widespread rain expected across the country. According to reports from the Philippine News Agency, residents in regions affected by the monsoon should prepare for cloudy skies, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms.
The Office of Civil Defense has reminded the public to remain vigilant, as heavy rainfall can lead to localized flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying or mountainous areas.
What is the forecast for the coming days?
PAGASA’s latest bulletin suggests that if the LPA maintains its current track and intensity, it could be classified as a tropical depression by Wednesday. Should it reach that threshold, it will be assigned a local name.
The weather bureau provides the following outlook for the week:
- Monday and Tuesday: Continued influence of the monsoon, resulting in rain across the Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Southern Luzon.
- Wednesday: Potential development into a tropical depression, which may alter wind patterns and rainfall distribution.
- Late Week: Monitoring continues for any changes in the system’s direction or speed as it moves through the PAR.
How to stay updated
Because tropical systems can change speed and intensity rapidly, officials advise the public to rely on official channels for updates. You can monitor the latest satellite imagery and severe weather bulletins directly through the PAGASA official website or their social media platforms.
Local government units are tasked with issuing specific evacuation or safety advisories based on the real-time conditions in their respective provinces. Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to keep emergency kits ready and monitor local radio or television broadcasts for immediate alerts.
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