PAGASA monitoring 2 LPAs

MANILA, Philippines — Two low-pressure areas were spotted within the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said yesterday.

PAGASA said it is monitoring the two low-pressure areas, which do not have a direct effect on the weather in the country.

The first weather system was spotted 575 kilometers northeast of Itbayat in Batanes. The other was estimated at 335 kms west of Sinait in Ilocos Sur as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

PAGASA said the first low-pressure area may interact with a tropical depression, which was monitored 2,020 kms east of Northern Luzon.

The weather disturbance was carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of 70 kph. It is moving west at 15 kph.

PAGASA said the tropical depression may strengthen into a tropical storm, but is not likely to enter the PAR.

If the weather disturbance enters PAR, it will be named Ester, the fifth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

PAGASA said the second low-pressure area may dissipate in the next 24 hours.

Localized thunderstorms will bring isolated rains over Metro Manila and the rest of the country, especially in the afternoon and at night.

The state weather bureau warned the public of flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorms.