What’s the weather like in your area? Report the situation through Rappler’s Agos or tweet us at @rapplerdotcom. 

MANILA, Philippines – The low pressure area (LPA) that forecasters have been monitoring is now inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

In a bulletin issued 4 am on Friday, June 28, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA is already 960 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Ezra Bulquerin said the LPA entered PAR at 9 pm on Thursday, June 27.

The trough or extension of the LPA is already expected to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to Caraga, the Davao Region, and Soccsksargen. Flash floods and landslides are possible if the thunderstorms become severe.

The LPA could also develop into a tropical depression in the coming days. More details are expected to be given as the weather system approaches. (READ: FAST FACTS: Tropical cyclones, rainfall advisories)

If the LPA becomes a tropical depression inside PAR, it would be the 5th for 2019 and would be given the local name Egay. (READ: LIST: PAGASA’s names for tropical cyclones in 2019)

The Philippines gets an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually, but since 2019 is an El Niño year, only 14 to 18 tropical cyclones are expected.

Below is the estimated number of tropical cyclones from July to December:

• July – 2 or 3
• August – 2 to 4
• September – 2 to 4
• October – 2 or 3
• November – 1 or 2
• December – 0 or 1

In the meantime, the southwest monsoon or hanging habagat is still affecting Luzon and the Visayas on Friday. The following are expected:

Monsoon rain

• Mimaropa
• Zambales
• Bataan

Scattered rains and thunderstorms

• Metro Manila
• rest of Luzon
• Visayas

PAGASA declared the start of the rainy season last June 14. – Rappler.com