Potential storm spotted

MANILA, Philippines – The state weather bureau on Saturday, August 18, said it has spotted a potential storm that could threaten Northern Luzon.

In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it has spotted an active low pressure area (ALPA) at 390 kilometers east southeast of Basco, Batanes. That was based on satellite and surface data as of 2 a.m. 

The ALPA is now bringing rain to the eastern side of Northern Luzon, said PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio in a phone interview with Rappler. It may trigger flash floods and landslides in affected areas, he explained.

Aurelio said the ALPA could become a cyclone in 24 to 48 hours. If it does, PAGASA will name it Igme.

But Aurelio said PAGASA is maintaining its extended weather outlook, issued Friday, August 17, that the Philippines will generally experience good weather during the long weekend from August 18 to 21.

In Friday’s forecast, PAGASA warned of the same weather disturbance – then described as a shallow low pressure area – by Sunday, August 19. The state weather bureau said it does not expect a tropical cyclone from August 18 to 22.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Northern and Central Luzon will experience mostly cloudy skies on Saturday. This will come with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the Philippines, on the other hand, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy weather with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms. (Read PAGASA’s complete forecast for Saturday below.)

– Rappler.com