Habagat (southwest monsoon) may bring heavier rainfall in the coming days as one of two low-pressure areas (LPAs) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) may develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday, July 22.
PAGASA also urged public to remain vigilant, as the enhanced monsoon could lead to flooding and other weather-related hazards.
As of 3 a.m., PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina reported that the LPA — located 1,140 kilometers east of Central Luzon — shows a higher chance of intensifying into a tropical depression.
The other LPA was spotted 370 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan.
If one of the weather systems develops into a tropical depression while inside the PAR, it will be named “Dante.”
Although the potential cyclone is forecast to move northward with a low chance of making landfall, Badrina said its development could further enhance the southwest monsoon, increasing rainfall especially over Luzon and Visayas.
Over the next 24 hours, the trough or extension of the LPA near Cagayan will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to Cagayan Valley.
Monsoon rains will continue to affect Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Occidental Mindoro.
Occasional rains are also expected in Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Marinduque, and Oriental Mindoro.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will prevail over Visayas, the rest of Luzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Davao Region.
Residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas, particularly those that have already received significant rainfall, are advised to remain vigilant. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
