By Catherine J. Teves
MANILA, July 18 (PNA) — Government weather forecasters expect the low-pressure area (LPA) far north of the country will remain within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at least in the next 24 hours until Sunday afternoon.
“That LPA will still be within PAR during the period and continue to enhance the southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’ so northern Philippines can expect to further experience heavy rainfall then,” said forecaster Buddy Javier from State weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Citing latest available data, however, he said it was still early to forecast when the LPA would exit PAR.
That LPA could either remain in its present state or dissipate while inside PAR, Javier said.
“Since the LPA is over the open sea, it can also intensify while there,” he noted.
Javier said the LPA is moving towards Taiwan.
Taiwan lies within PAR.
“The LPA is far from the Philippine landmass but can still enhance the southwest monsoon,” Javier said.
In its extended outlook released Saturday (July 18), PAGASA forecast that monsoon rains would affect northern Philippine cities of Tuguegarao, Laoag and Baguio as well as in central Luzon’s Olongapo and Angeles cities by Sunday.
Javier said sea surface temperature remained at 26°C and wind circulation became increasingly organized so these conditions collectively led to the LPA’s formation.
“The LPA didn’t form due to the southwest monsoon,” he clarified.
According to PAGASA, the southwest monsoon consists of warm moist winds from the southwest.
PAGASA said from May to September, ‘habagat’ causes rains over the country’s western portion. (PNA)