A low pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Mindanao is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone over the next 24 to 48 hours, but its extension will dump rains across several areas, state weather bureau PAGASA reported on Friday, May 22.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) located the weather disturbance approximately 940 kilometers east of Southern Mindanao.
While the system maintains a weak circulation with a low probability of upgrading into a storm, its trough is projected to cast cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over the Caraga and Davao regions.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country will contend with contrasting weather as the easterlies continue to dictate conditions over Luzon and the Visayas. This will bring generally fair but hot and humid weather, punctuated by sudden afternoon or evening localized thunderstorms.
Temperatures in Metro Manila are expected to peak at 35°C, while Tuguegarao City could swelter under a maximum temperature of 38°C.
PAGASA also renewed its warnings against dangerous heat indices across the nation. On Thursday, Dagupan City in Pangasinan registered the country’s highest heat index at a scorching 47°C, firmly within the “danger” classification.
Metro Manila’s heat index hovered between 42°C and 44°C—a range it is expected to replicate on Friday.
Other areas forecast to hit a blistering 45°C heat index include:
- Sangley Point, Cavite
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
- Baler, Aurora
- San Ildefonso, Bulacan
- Alabat, Quezon
The weather bureau advised citizens to minimize prolonged outdoor exposure to prevent heat stress, heat cramps, or life-threatening heat stroke.
No gale warnings have been hoisted, and coastal waters nationwide are expected to remain slight to moderate.