2 weather disturbances spotted

Two weather disturbances east of Mindanao, one of which could develop into a tropical cyclone in the next few days, are being monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday.

PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin dela Cruz said one of the low pressure areas (LPA) was already inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) or about 1,050 kilometers (km) east-southeast of Davao City on Thursday morning.

The LPA has no direct effect yet on any part of the country as of Thursday, but Dela Cruz said the weather disturbance will likely bring light to moderate to at times heavy rains over most of Mindanao and some parts of Visayas by weekend.

It is expected to maintain its strength while crossing the landmass of Visayas or Mindanao.

Dela Cruz urged those that may be affected by this weather disturbance to take the necessary precautionary measures as rains could trigger flooding and landslides in highly susceptible areas.

The other LPA, which was still outside the PAR, was estimated at 2,700 kilometers east of Mindanao on Thursday, according to PAGASA weather specialist Sheilla Reyes.

She said the weather disturbance that may enter the PAR early next week has a high probability of intensifying into a tropical depression.

The next cyclone, which could be the first that will enter the country’s area of responsibility this month, will be given a local name “Ursula.”

Reyes said Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have generally fair weather in the next three days.