Monday, January 31, 2011

PAGASA monitors low pressure area off Southern Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines (PNA) -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spotted early Monday morning a low pressure area (LPA) estimated at 480 kilometers east of Southern Mindanao.

PAGASA weather forecaster Raymond Ordinario said that based on satellite and surface data, the weather disturbance, if it retains its present condition, will last until Feb. 5 or 6.

Ordinario said the LPA also has the possibility to develop into a tropical depression, in which case it will be named "Amang."

He said if it maintains its present westward movement, the LPA will course through the southernmost part of Mindanao, possibly affecting parts of the Visayas, and will exit in the eastern section of Southern Luzon.

Meanwhile, Ordinario explained that the rains being experienced in Metro Manila are not the effect of the LPA but of the prevailing northeast monsoon (amihan) throughout Luzon.

According to Ordinario, based on forecast data, rainfalls are now also occurring in Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao. (report from Manila Bulletin)