On November 29, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that a low pressure area is likely to form between Visayas and Mindanao this weekend (November 30 - December 1).
PAGASA typhoon forecaster Benison Estareja said he has recorded cloud clusters between Visayas and Mindanao. Based on available data, PAGASA experts assess the possibility of the low pressure area strengthening into a storm as low.
"Our assessment shows that although the low pressure is unlikely to strengthen into a storm, it will bring rain to many areas of the Philippines over the weekend," said Mr. Estareja.
According to Mr. Estareja, the low pressure is forecast to affect southern Luzon areas, including Bicol, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) over the weekend.
He added that the low pressure and intertropical convergence zone will also cause rain in the Visayas and some parts of Mindanao.
PAGASA advises affected people to be cautious as moderate to heavy rainfall can cause localized flooding mainly in urbanized areas, low-lying areas and coastal areas, while landslides are likely to occur in highly vulnerable areas.
Also according to PAGASA's storm forecast, during the week of November 29 to December 5, another low pressure is likely to appear in the southwest of PAGASA's forecast area (PMD), in the southern East Sea. This low pressure near the East Sea is also unlikely to strengthen into a storm, according to current data. However, this may change depending on weather conditions in the coming days.
PAGASA has previously forecast one or two more typhoons in December in the Philippines. Mr. Nathaniel Servando, Director of PAGASA, noted that the northeast monsoon will determine the intensity of storms in December.
"If a tropical storm makes landfall in the first week of December, it is likely to be stronger," said Mr. Servando.
PAGASA Director pointed out that any storm that makes landfall in late December is unlikely to develop into a super typhoon. This is due to the influence of the northeast monsoon.
An average of 20 typhoons enter the PAR each year, nearly half of which make landfall.
The Philippines has suffered dozens of human casualties and billions of pesos in property damage as 6 typhoons have hit several provinces over the past 2 months, of which the recent super typhoon Pepito ( Man-yi) hit Luzon the most severely.
Many of the storms after passing through the Philippines have entered the East Sea, such as Typhoon enteng (Yagi - Typhoon No. 3), Typhoon Kristine (Tramami - Typhoon No. 6), Super Typhoon Pepito (super Typhoon Man-yi - Typhoon No. 9).
