A low pressure area (LPA) detected inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) could intensify into a tropical depression within 48 hours, threatening to boost monsoon rains across Luzon and the western Visayas, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Thursday, August 27.
As of 3 a.m., the weather disturbance was spotted 1,030 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.
“Posibleng maging bagyo itong LPA within the next 48 hours at kung maging bagyo dahil nasa loob na ito ng PAR, tatawagin itong Pilandok,” weather specialist Leanne Loreto noted.
Forecasters do not expect the system to make direct landfall as it tracks west-northwest toward Taiwan. However, its indirect impact will strengthen the southwest monsoon (Habagat), which is already being pulled by the remnants of Typhoon Obet as it moves toward mainland China.
The enhanced monsoon will bring heavy rainfall starting this weekend through Tuesday. Initial downpours will hit Zambales and Occidental Mindoro on Thursday before extending to Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, and Bataan on Friday.
By Saturday and Sunday, rainfall could reach up to 200 millimeters in critical areas such as Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Moderate to heavy rains will also blanket Metro Manila, the Ilocos region, the Cordilleras, and large portions of Central Luzon and Calabarzon. PAGASA warned residents in vulnerable zones to stay alert for potential flash floods and landslides.
While Palawan, the western Visayas, and eastern Luzon will see rainy weather, parts of the Visayas and Mindanao continue to face hot, dry, and drought conditions.
No gale warnings are currently active, allowing sea vessels to sail under normal weather precautions.