A low-pressure area (LPA) situated outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is highly likely to intensify into a tropical depression within 24 hours, state meteorologists reported early Saturday.
In a 2 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed active tracking of the disturbance, designated as LPA 08b.
Concurrently, weather monitors are tracking Typhoon Dolphin within the Tropical Cyclone Information Domain (TCID), though it currently poses no direct threat to the archipelago.
Severe weather risks remain elevated across Luzon and parts of the Visayas due to the southwest monsoon (“habagat”), which continues to deliver widespread downpours.
According to Weather Advisory No. 26 issued at 5 a.m., heavy rainfall between 100 and 200 millimeters will affect Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro on Saturday. Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters is forecast across Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, and Antique.
Monsoonal rains are expected to persist through Sunday and Monday, with the highest accumulations concentrating along Western Luzon and mountainous provinces.
PAGASA warned that saturation from previous rainfall increases the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in elevated terrain, and advised local disaster management units to enforce precautionary safety measures.