Habagat rains to persist until next week due to possible LPA 

A possible low pressure area (LPA) may soon form within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by next week, enhancing the Southwest Monsoon, according to the state weather bureau on Friday.

PAGASA said that the new LPA may form in the northeastern portion of the PAR, and it could move west to enter the area.

“At ito pong potential na low pressure area ay maaaring hatakin at palakasin ulit ang habagat simula Sunday onwards,” PAGASA weather specialist Leanne Loreto said in the agency’s 5 a.m. forecast.

(This potential low pressure area could draw in and enhance the southwest monsoon starting Sunday onwards.)

The rains could reach 100 ml in La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro, Loreto said.

In its 5 p.m. forecast, PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo explained that the current rains that the country is experiencing are primarily due to the southwest monsoon.

While there currently is an existing LPA outside of the PAR, its influence is not strong enough to enhance the habagat. This LPA has a low chance of developing into a cyclone.

However, August is the time of year when the effects of the southwest monsoon are felt the most, Manalo said.

He warned that some mountainous areas may experience heavier rains due to the clouds being collected on one side, which can accumulate into rains. The continuous rains could cause landslides, he warned.

PAGASA urged citizens to follow the orders of the local executives on when to evacuate.

Many parts of the country will still experience rains due to the southwest monsoon, including Zambales and Bataan, as well as Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, the rest of Central Luzon, and Antique. —Jean Mangaluz/LDF, GMA News