LPA to enter Philippines this week

MANILA, Philippines – A low-pressure area is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility later this week, according to the state weather bureau.

The low-pressure area was spotted at 2,500 kilometers east- southeast of Mindanao yesterday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA marine meteorological services section chief Rene Paciente said the low-pressure area was expected to enter the country on Friday.

Paciente said the low-pressure area is likely to intensify into a tropical depression on Sunday or Monday and would be given the local name Nonoy.

He said the weather disturbance might affect Bicol, Eastern Visayas or Northern Mindanao based on latest forecast.

Meanwhile, good weather will continue to prevail over the country in the next two to three days.

Paciente said the northeast monsoon would bring light rains and slight cooler temperatures in Northern and Eastern Luzon in the next three days.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

The weather bureau said the northeast monsoon is expected to weaken today until Saturday, giving way to the warm easterlies.

Based on PAGASA record, zero or one cyclone usually enters the country in December, Paciente said.