‘LPA outside PAR may develop into typhoon’

MANILA, Philippines — A new low-pressure area (LPA) has developed outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) in the eastern section of Mindanao and may soon develop into a typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

“At 2 p.m. in the afternoon (of July 16) the cloud clusters outside PAR have developed into a low-pressure area and may develop into a typhoon within 24 to 48 hours,” PAGASA weather specialist Adlczar Aurelio said.

He added that the LPA will be named “Egay” once it turns into a typhoon.

Aurelio said that as of 3 p.m. on July 16, Severe Tropical Storm Dodong  (international name Talim), now outside PAR, was located 565 kilometers west-northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte or 710 km west of Basco, Batanes and would no longer affect any areas in the Philippines.

PAGASA weather specialist James Villamil on the other hand said that the southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to bring rains in many areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila and Western Visayas in the next days.

He added that among those expected to experience monsoon rains are Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, northern portion of Palawan.

“Monsoon rains are normally experienced in the afternoon until evening and early morning. There may be a break of rain in the morning and until noon,” Villamil added.

He said occasional rains will be experienced in the rest of western section of Luzon, particularly in Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga, Benguet, the rest of Mimaropa, Cavite and Batangas.

“For the next two days until July 18, the entire Luzon will be affected by the southwest monsoon, especially the northern and central Luzon, Metro Manila cities and Baguio City,” he said.

Villamil said the new LPA outside PAR will bring rains in eastern and central sections of Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA expects two to three more typhoons this month after Dodong.