New LPA expected to enter PHL on Wednesday — PAGASA

MANILA — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday said they are tracking a new low pressure area (LPA) which is projected to enter the country in the next 24 hours.

PAGASA weather forecaster Buddy Javier told the Philippines News Agency (PNA) that as of 4:00 p.m., the LPA spotted the LPA some 1,250 km east of Visayas (12.0°N, 138.0°E) still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Once the LPA enters the country, he said it will bring light to moderate rains over the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao.

He noted the LPA has high chance of intensifying into a tropical depression since it is in the sea.

The next tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine territory, Javier said, it would be named “Mario” — the third cyclone to visit the country this month and 13th for the year.

Every year, an average of about 18 to 20 storms affect the Philippines, according to PAGASA.

While the LPA is still outside the PAR, Javier noted the trough or extended cloudiness will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over the regions of CARAGA and Davao until Wednesday.

He added the rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

In its 5:00 p.m. advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest to west with slight to moderate seas.

The state weather bureau also issued gale warning as strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of southwest monsoon enhanced by typhoon Kalmaegi affect the northern and western seaboards of Luzon.

“Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” it warned.