LPA to bring rains over Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA, Sept. 17 (PNA) -- The trough or extended cloudiness of the low pressure area still outside the country's area of responsibility will bring rains over Eastern Visayas and some parts of Mindanao on Wednesday, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that as of 4 a.m. Tuesday the LPA was spotted some 1,070 km east of Visayas (13.2°N, 136.3°E) and is expected to enter the country within the day.So far, the trough of LPA will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains over Eastern Visayas, CARAGA and Davao Region.Based on numerical model, Aurelio said the LPA has slim chance to intensify into tropical cyclone.The next tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine territory, he said, would be named Mario” -- the third cyclone to visit the country this month and 13th for the year.Every year, an average of about 18 to 20 storms affect the Philippines, according to PAGASA.He added the rest of the country, including Metro Manila will continue to experience fair weather and some times partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over the western section of Luzon and from the north to northwest over the rest of Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest to west with slight to moderate seas.The state weather bureau also issued a gale warning -- strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of southwest monsoon affect the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon. Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves, it warned. (PNA)JBP/CLTC