LPA Trough Brings Rain to Visayas, Mindanao, Parts of Southern Luzon; Typhoon Dolphin May Enhance Monsoon

A low pressure area (LPA) that formed outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday, July 29, entered PAR on Friday, July 31. As of 8 p.m. on Friday, the LPA was located 865 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stated that the LPA has a low chance of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours. However, its trough, or extension, has been causing scattered rain and thunderstorms in the Visayas, Mindanao, Bicol, Quezon, Laguna, and Marinduque. PAGASA advised these affected areas to remain on alert for flash floods and landslides. Meanwhile, the rest of Luzon, which is not affected by the LPA's trough, is experiencing generally fair weather with only localized thunderstorms. Another LPA that PAGASA was monitoring in the final week of July dissipated over the West Philippine Sea on Thursday, July 30. This LPA formed last Tuesday, July 28, and crossed Southern Luzon on Wednesday. The Philippines is currently experiencing a monsoon break, with no rain from the southwest monsoon, or habagat. Monsoon breaks, which can last for days or even weeks, are normal during the rainy season. However, the southwest monsoon may return next week, as it is expected to be enhanced by the tropical cyclone with the international name Dolphin, which is currently a super typhoon approximately 4,000 kilometers away from the Philippines. Based on initial forecasts, Dolphin itself appears unlikely to make landfall in the country, but the monsoon rain could trigger floods and landslides. In July, the Philippines saw four tropical cyclones: Tropical Depression Henry, Super Typhoon Inday (Bavi), Tropical Storm Josie (Haishen), and Typhoon Kiyapo (Noul). PAGASA predicts that two to four tropical cyclones could develop within or enter PAR in August. Source: Rappler Philippines