2 weather disturbances may enter PAR this week

Two weather disturbances may possibly develop and enter Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week, according to an official of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

However, forecast for the second disturbance is still uncertain as of now.

Alfredo Quiblat, Jr., officer-in-charge from PAGASA in Cebu station, said that after tropical depression Josie, another two weather systems may form in the remaining week of July, the month which is typically frequented with tropical cyclones, locally known as “bagyo.”

But what the weather bureau is closely monitoring now is the closest Low Pressure Area (LPA) that is predicted to develop into tropical cyclone, he added.

In PAGASA's online bulletin on Monday, the LPA was spotted at 7 a.m. hovering over the seas outside PAR at around 1,495 kilometers east of Central Luzon.

The LPA, in the same advisory, was predicted to become tropical cyclone under first category Tropical Depression.

If it enters PAR, it will be given the local name “Karding” – the eleventh tropical cyclone to enter PAR this year and the fifth this month after a string of disturbances, namely, Gardo, Henry, Inday, and Josie.

Quiblat said aside from this developing system, another cloud cluster is being observed also outside PAR but projections for now are still unclear whether it will develop and enter PAR or may just disperse.

He said the presence of these disturbances typically cause to enhance the strength of the southwest monsoon, or “Habagat.”

As an effect, Cebu province is experiencing moderate to rough seas due to the strong winds it brings, he explained.

However, no gale warning is issued over the waters off Cebu.

Quiblat warns fishermen and small scale vessel operators not to sail into the open seas because of the unfavorable sea condition.

He also encouraged passengers to heed the advice from the Coast Guard or port personnel if they are not allowed to travel.

Miasco/MBG