Manila: A low-pressure area (LPA) embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is expected to bring widespread rains over Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and a large part of Mindanao, the weather bureau said Thursday. In a report, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Obet Badrina explained that the LPA is located 125 km east of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

According to Philippines News Agency, cloudy skies and scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecast over the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Batangas, Quezon, Mimaropa, and the Bicol Region due to the ITCZ and the LPA. Badrina warned residents of these areas that flash floods or landslides may occur during moderate to at times heavy rains.

The ITCZ will likewise bring isolated rains over the rest of Mindanao. Meanwhile, Northern and Central Luzon will experience generally fair weather with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon or early evening. Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail across the archipelago.

Badrina mentioned the continued westward movement of the LPA is expected to bring back the southwest monsoon in the next few days up to the weekend and affect Palawan, the Visayas, and Mindanao. PAGASA, meanwhile, continues to monitor a tropical cyclone outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As of 3 a.m., Tropical Storm Dujuan (international name) was located 2,970 km east of Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center, gustiness of up to 90 kph, and moving north-northwestward at 20 kph. Badrina noted it has no direct effect on the country and has a slim chance of entering the PAR.