MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a “medium chance” of developing into a tropical cyclone, while bringing rains over parts of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Monday.
LPA UNDER CLOSE MONITORING
The weather disturbance was located around 1,745 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of 8 a.m., according to PAGASA.
Weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said authorities are closely monitoring the system due to its potential to intensify into a tropical cyclone in the coming days.
The agency has yet to determine whether the weather system will enter PAR, but continuous monitoring remains in place.
RAINS TO CONTINUE IN PALAWAN AND MINDANAO
PAGASA said the trough or extension of the LPA will continue affecting Palawan and Mindanao through Tuesday, May 26.
Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected in these areas, with moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall possible.
Residents were advised to stay alert for potential flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying and mountainous communities.
HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS REMAIN ELSEWHERE
While Palawan and Mindanao are expected to experience rainy conditions, generally fair weather will continue over Luzon and the Visayas.
However, PAGASA warned that hot and humid conditions will persist, particularly during midday and afternoon hours.
Localized thunderstorms may still develop later in the day, bringing sudden downpours despite generally sunny conditions.
HIGH HEAT INDEX RECORDED
On Sunday, Dagupan City in Pangasinan recorded a heat index of 48 degrees Celsius, while Metro Manila experienced heat index levels ranging from 41°C to 43°C.
For Monday, PAGASA forecasts heat index values of up to 47°C in Dagupan City and 41°C to 43°C in Metro Manila.
What is a heat index?
The heat index refers to the temperature people actually feel by combining air temperature with relative humidity. Higher humidity limits the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.