Rains to continue in Cebu, Central Visayas this week

Cebu and the entire Visayas will continue to experience light to moderate rains due to two low pressure areas (LPAs) enhancing the southwest monsoon inside the country.

Weather specialist Romeo Aguirre of the Mactan office of the state weather bureau Pagasa said the first LPA was spotted 825 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

“As of the moment, it has no direct indication both from our local and international models that this will develop into a tropical cyclone,” Aguirre said in a phone interview.

Another LPA was spotted at 20 kilometers northwest of Masbate City at 4 p.m. yesterday.

So far, the LPA spotted in Masbate City has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.

If the LPAs develop into tropical cyclones, Aguirre said they will be named “Goryo” and “Huaning,” the seventh and eight tropical cyclones that entered the country. At least two to three tropical cyclones were forecast to enter the country in July.

The first recorded tropical cyclone for July was named Fabian. Aguirre said the LPAs were caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

He said the ITCZ is a breeding ground of weak LPAs that also bring thunderstorm activities like lightning, thunder, waterspout or whirlwinds.

Aguirre reminded the public to continue bringing their umbrellas and coats.

The public is also advised to take precautionary measures since rains can cause floods and landslides.

As of yesterday, Pagasa Mactan recorded 186.8 millimeters of rain. The normal average of rainfall for July is 202.2 millimeters.