State weather forecasters are now tracking a new weather disturbance—a low-pressure area—off Mindanao, which they said may enter Philippine territory and become a cyclone later this week.

 

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also warned of flash floods and landslides on the western part of Luzon on Monday.

 

"(Ang LPA) mga Miyerkules maaaring pumasok sa Philippine area of responsibility at inaasahan nating lalakas at magiging ganap na bagyong tropikal Huwebes o Biyernes," PAGASA forecaster Elvie Enriquez said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

Enriquez said the LPA was estimated at 1,170 km east of Mindanao as of 2 a.m.

 

Should the LPA become a cyclone while inside Philippine territory, she said it will be locally codenamed "Gener."

 

Enriquez noted "Gener" would likely be the last of three cyclones expected to enter Philippine territory this month, the others being "Enteng" and "Ferdie."

 

On the other hand, Enriquez said Metro Manila can expect less rain on Monday, compared to last weekend.

 

"Hindi na katulad kahapon, lessened na ang amount of rainfall na babagsak ngayon," she said.

 

Flash floods, landslides

 

PAGASA's 5 a.m. bulletin said the southwest monsoon is affecting Luzon and Visayas.

 

"Luzon and Western Visayas will have occasional rains becoming frequent over the western section of Luzon which may trigger flash floods and landslides," it said.

 

It added Central Visayas will be mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

 

The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

 

Moderate to strong winds from the southwest will prevail over the entire archipelago, making seas moderate to rough, the bulletin said.

 

Gale warning

 

PAGASA also warned fishermen of strong to gale-force winds associated with the southwest monsoon, which may affect the northern and western seaboards of Luzon.

 

"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," it said. –KG, GMA News