LPA Expected To Enter PAR Wednesday, Threatens Mindanao

A low-pressure area (LPA) is being monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). It is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday, Dec 20. The LPA will be called Tropical depression Vinta if continues to intensify before making landfall in the eastern or southern part of Mindanao.

Tropical depression Urduja has left PAR on Tuesday. PAGASA says Urduja was located 540 km West of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and is forecast to move west-southwest at 15 km/h. According to a report by ABS-CBN, it has taken the lives of at least 41 people and has left towns in the Visayas region in a state of calamity. After Urduja, another LPA threatens the Philippines during the Christmas holidays.

PAGASA monitors LPA, Weather updates Dec 20

At 4 am today, PAGASA reported via Facebook live that the LPA being monitored is located 975 km east of Mindanao. It is forecast to enter PAR on Wednesday morning or afternoon. If the LPA intensifies, it could become a tropical depression or a tropical storm before making landfall at the eastern or southern part of Mindanao. If so, the LPA will be called Vinta. PAGASA warns residents to continue to monitor updates.

Meanwhile, a tail end of a cold front continues to affect the eastern section of northern and central Luzon. In Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Metro Manila, Aurora, Central Luzon, and the Cordilleras will experience scattered rains due to the tail end of a cold front. The Ilocos region will experience monsoon rains while Bicol region and Puerto Princesa will have localized thunderstorms.

The Visayas, on the other hand, will have improved weather conditions with localized thunderstorms in the afternoon. In Mindanao, the Caraga and Davao region will experience scattered rains and isolated rain showers, and thunderstorms due to the LPA.

Metro Manila and Cebu will continue to experience rains until Dec 23. Rains will also affect Baguio city until Friday with weather conditions improving on Saturday.