3 LPAs spotted up North

At least three low pressure areas in the northern part of the country are being monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday.

The first low pressure area is last located 790 kilometers, northeast of Itbayat, Batanes; it has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.

Weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said that the low pressure area is not directly affecting any parts of the country, and it is expected to eventually exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, another low pressure area was spotted at 2,070 kilometers, east of Extreme Northern Luzon.

The LPA has a medium chance of strengthening into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.

The remnants of tropical cyclone “Bising,” known internationally as “Danas,” has also weakened into a low pressure area as it hovers over the southeastern portion of China.

It was last located at 475 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, and is unlikely to reintensify into a tropical cyclone.

Isolated moderate to heavy rainfall are still expected in Batanes, Babuyan islands, Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite and Mindoro provinces due to the continuous surge of the southwest monsoon.

Earlier this Thursday, thunderstorms caused heavy to intense rainfall over Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog region.

In Benguet, Ambuklao Dam continues to open its gates because of the 9.2 millimeter rainfall it received over the past 24 hours.

As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, Ambuklao Dam is at 751.71 meters, nearing its critical level of 752.00 meters.

One gate is opened and it releases water at a rate of 0.3 meters.

Meanwhile, the Binga Dam has closed its gates since Wednesday morning.