LPA to Bring Rain to Metro Manila, Other PH Areas; May Intensify

MANILA, Philippines — Overcast skies and rains are expected to continue in Metro Manila and other parts of the country on Wednesday due to a low-pressure area (LPA) off Oriental Mindoro, according to state meteorologists. Aside from Metro Manila, the LPA, will continue to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol region, and major sections of the Visayas. As of 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Pagasa said this LPA “has a ‘high’ chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.” Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja said the LPA will pass through the entire Mimaropa region as well as in Batangas. Then by Wednesday, Estareja said the LPA will be in the West Philippine Sea, but still inside the Philippine area of responsibility. Once it develops into a TD, Pagasa will assign the name “Henry”, becoming the eighth tropical cyclone in the country so far. Meanwhile, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are also expected in Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Region, Lanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental, due to the southwest monsoon or habagat. On the other hand, fair weather or partly cloudy to cloudy skies, but with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, are expected for the rest of Luzon and Mindanao. /cb