New LPA Persists, May Develop into Tropical Depression; Southwest Monsoon to Drench More Areas

A new low pressure area (LPA) has developed and may potentially turn into a tropical depression, as the southwest monsoon is bringing heavy rainfall to more areas, posing a risk of flooding and landslides, according to the state weather bureau on Thursday. The new LPA was last located 2,025 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon and developed following the dissipation of the previous LPA, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5:00 p.m. press briefing. “There is a possibility that it will enter PAR and may develop into a tropical depression,” John A. Manalo, PAGASA weather specialist, said during the press briefing in Filipino. If it enters PAR and develops into a tropical depression, it will be given the local name Queenie, the country’s 17th tropical cyclone this year. Mr. Manalo said potential Queenie is not expected to cause any direct effects in the country in the next two to three days and may also dissipate. Meanwhile, nine areas in Luzon are expected to experience heavy downpours, or rainfall of between 50 and 100 millimeters, in the next 24 hours, PAGASA said in its 5:00 p.m. weather advisory. These include Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. PAGASA warned that these areas may experience localized flooding and landslides, especially those in high-risk areas. Similar areas are expected to experience heavy to intense downpours until Sunday afternoon. — Edg Adrian A. Eva