The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Saturday afternoon that a low-pressure area (LPA) located off the coast of Mindanao has a high probability of intensifying into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.
In its 4 p.m. advisory, PAGASA said the weather disturbance, identified as LPA 08F, was spotted at 2 p.m. approximately 940 kilometers east of southern Mindanao. The bureau noted that current atmospheric conditions are favorable for its development into a tropical depression.
“The low pressure area (LPA 08F) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) now has a ‘high’ potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours,” PAGASA stated.
If the system strengthens, it will be named “Jacinto,” making it the 10th tropical cyclone to enter the PAR this year and the fifth for August alone.
Rainfall Forecast and Affected Areas
Within the next 24 hours, the trough or extended area of the LPA is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Areas most likely affected include Caraga, the Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Sarangani, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Bohol.
Residents in these regions are advised to be cautious of possible flash floods and landslides during periods of heavy and prolonged rainfall.
Weather After Tropical Storm Isang
The development comes shortly after Tropical Storm Isang exited the PAR on Saturday morning, following its passage over several provinces in Northern Luzon. The storm enhanced the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), which continues to bring widespread rains.
According to PAGASA, the trough of Isang will still affect the Ilocos Region, Abra, and Benguet, causing cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms. Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon will persist in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, the Negros Island Region, and Western Visayas.
The rest of Luzon will likely experience localized thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Sea and Wind Conditions
PAGASA added that winds and coastal conditions will remain moderate in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate, with seas ranging from slight to moderate.
The weather bureau continues to monitor the LPA closely and urges the public to stay updated through official advisories, particularly as the system may strengthen into Tropical Depression Jacinto by Sunday.