LPA to bring rain to Visayas, Mindanao

A new low pressure area (LPA) east of Visayas could bring rains to the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao in the next few days.

Around Thursday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) tracked the LPA 1,000 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, or inside the country’s area of responsibility.

PAGASA weather specialist Gener Quitlong said the LPA has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours, but could bring rains as it moves closer to Visayas and Mindanao by weekend.

Quitlong said the weather disturbance will likely dissipate in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the cyclone with international name “Jebi” has intensified into a typhoon in the Pacific Ocean.

Jebi has maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour gusting to 170 kph.

It was 3,030 km. east of Northern Luzon on Thursday, way outside the country’s area of responsibility. Jebi is moving west-northwest at 20 kph. If Jebi keeps its current speed and track, it could enter the country by Sunday or Monday. It will be given the local name “Maymay.”

The typhoon is not expected to hit land but could enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat by next week. (Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz)