MANILA -- The country will possibly be tropical cyclone-free until the May 9 elections, based on the weather bureau's forecast.
In a forum on Wednesday, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Junie Ruiz said that while there could be two low pressure areas that may develop or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), there is a low chance for both LPAs to develop into a tropical cyclone.
PAGASA is expecting two LPAs to develop or enter PAR during the forecast period of April 27 to May 10, he said.
On Wednesday afternoon, weather specialist Ana Clauren said an LPA was spotted 180 kilometers southeast of Zamboanga City. The LPA is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
"We don't expect this to develop into a tropical cyclone. Along with the ITCZ, it would only affect parts of the Visayas, Mindanao and Bicol Region, Romblon and Palawan. Expect light to moderate, with at times heavy rains over these areas tonight," she said.
Clauren added that residents in these areas must take precautions against possible flooding and landslides.
Ruiz said the two expected LPAs will be both embedded along the ITCZ.
PAGASA earlier forecasted that one LPA (LPA 1) will form within the week of the elections somewhere over the Sulu Sea and will move towards the South China Sea. The other LPA (LPA 2) will likely enter PAR but will not develop into a tropical cyclone.
"From May 4 to 10, LPA 1 may likely recurve towards Taiwan, while LPA 2 is also forecast to recurve as it moves towards the Philippine landmass," Ruiz said.
Ruiz, however, clarified that the forecast track may still change.
"This forecast is also subject (to change) because we used just one model for this forecast. Weather forecasting looks at several models to widen the scheme of forecast. So it is possible that (the presentation) we have shown will still change in the next few days, in the next week," he said.
Ruiz advised the public to keep themselves posted on PAGASA's recent forecasts. (PNA)
