Cloud clusters may turn into LPA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring cloud clusters in the western section of Southern Luzon that may develop into a low-pressure area (LPA).

“We are continuously monitoring the cloud clusters as there may be possibility that it will have circulation and may develop into a low-pressure area,” PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda said yesterday at a briefing.

Castañeda also said the typhoon seen outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) is not expected to enter the country.

The tropical cyclone with international name Shanshan was located 1,980 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center with gustiness up to 150 km/h and moving north northwestward at 20 km/h.

“Based on our latest analysis, we do not expect it to enter PAR and at present it has no direct effect in any parts of the country,” Castañeda said.

PAGASA said the southwest monsoon continues to affect the western section of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

“There is a big chance that rains will occur in certain parts of Southern Luzon and western part of Visayas and Mindanao,” Castañeda added.

According to Castañeda, the rest of the country including Metro Manila will experience rains brought by thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.