Betty weakens, but rains expected over Luzon, MM

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression Betty weakened into a low-pressure area (LPA) yesterday but is still expected to bring rains over parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, this weekend.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was spotted at 780 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA senior weather forecaster Robert Sawi said the LPA will bring light to moderate rains over the Bicol region and Quezon starting this afternoon.

The LPA is expected to move over the rest of Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila and Central Luzon on Saturday and Sunday, bringing light to moderate rains, Sawi said.

He said the LPA is likely to continue dumping rains over most parts of Luzon until the middle of next week.

“We can also expect rains in most parts of Luzon on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week from the LPA,” he said.

PAGASA warned fishermen not to go out in the seaboards of eastern Luzon due to rough sea conditions.

Betty weakened from a tropical storm because of the intrusion of cold air into its circulation, PAGASA forecasters explained.

It was the second weather disturbance to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this year after Storm Amang dumped rains over Eastern Visayas during Pope Francis’ visit in January.