LPA, habagat to bring rains

MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon or habagat and a low-pressure area spotted off the coast of Zambales will bring rains over Metro Manila and most parts of the country, according to the state weather bureau.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said scattered rains can be expected in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, the Visayas and Zamboanga peninsula.

The low-pressure area was estimated at 420 kilometers west of Iba town as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

PAGASA said the weather system was moving west and may exit the Philippine area of responsibility once it develops into a tropical cyclone.

The agency said it is also monitoring a cloud cluster east of Northern Luzon that may develop into another low-pressure area in the next 24 hours.

The weather systems are intensifying the southwest monsoon.

The rest of Mindanao will experience localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned the public of flash floods or landslides during heavy rain.

Temperatures in Metro Manila will range between 24 to 31 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA declared the start of the rainy season on May 18.

Two tropical cyclones – Basyang and Agaton – have entered the country this year, both in April.