A low-pressure area (LPA) is likely to develop into a tropical depression within 48 hours and will enhance the southwest monsoon, threatening Luzon and Visayas in the coming days, according to the state weather bureau on Thursday.
The LPA, located 1,030 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, will be locally called Pilandok once it develops into a tropical depression, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) 5:00 a.m. press briefing.
“As of now, the LPA or the potential tropical cyclone’s indirect effect is that it will enhance the southwest monsoon starting tomorrow until Tuesday,” Leanne Loreto, weather specialist of PAGASA, said during the press briefing in Filipino.
“That is why rainy conditions are expected in Luzon as well as in the western section of Visayas in the next four to five days,” she also said.
As of today, PAGASA placed heavy rainfall warnings over areas of Zambales and Occidental Mindoro due to the southwest monsoon that tropical cyclone Saudel is slightly enhancing. The storm is expected to make landfall in mainland China.
By Friday to Saturday, more areas in Luzon are expected to be placed under heavy rainfall warnings due to the expected enhancement of the LPA by the southwest monsoon.
PAGASA warned of possible flooding and landslides in affected areas, especially those in high-risk locations. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
