Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16) — A low pressure area and the northeast monsoon will bring rains to parts of the country, the weather bureau said Thursday.
In its 4 p.m. forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said as of 3 p.m., the low pressure area was last spotted 355 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
PAGASA said it may develop into a tropical depression (TD) in the next 24 hours.
“Should this weather system develop into a TD, maritime operations along the Bohol Sea including the seaboards of Surigao provinces, Southern Leyte, southern Negros Oriental and Zamboanga del Norte will be disrupted,” it said.
PAGASA said the weather disturbance will bring scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms over Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Central and Eastern Visayas.
It added the northeast monsoon will cause bring light rains over Metro Manila, the regions of Ilocos, Cordillera and Cagayan Valley, and the rest of Luzon and the Visayas.
Meanwhile, weather forecasting foundation Weather Philippines said in its Rain Alert Update as of 1:20 p.m., the low pressure area will bring moderate to heavy rain until Friday in the Visayas and parts of Luzon and Mindanao.
It said the affected areas are Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte Province, Biliran, Southern Masbate, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Province, Guimaras, Capiz, Iloilo, Southern Antique, Southern and Central Palawan, Dinagat Islands, Surigao Province, Agusan del Norte, Northern and Eastern Agusan del Sur, Misamis Province, Northern Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Northern Lanao del Sur, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
“The rains will be more frequent along the coastal and mountain slope areas of these affected provinces,” it said.
Weather Philippines also warned residents in the area of possible flash floods and landslides.
