Manila (PNA) — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has monitored a Low Pressure Area (LPA) east of Southern Mindanao as the northeast monsoon affects Luzon and the Visayas.

In its weather synopsis issued 5 a.m. Friday, PAGASA said that as of 2 a.m., the LPA was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 860 kilometers east of southern Mindanao (6.8°N, 135.0°E).

The weather agency said the northeast monsoon would possibly deter the LPA from developing into a tropical depression as it is expected to dissipate within two days, although it would bring rains during the weekend, especially in Mindanao and the Visayas, including in the recently earthquake-stricken Negros Oriental.

In its weather forecast, PAGASA said the eastern sections of Northern, Central and Southern Luzon will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered light rains.

The Visayas and Mindanao will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms, becoming cloudy with widespread rains over Eastern Visayas, Northern and Eastern Mindanao which may trigger flash floods and landslides.

The rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and the Visayas and coming from the northeast to north over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough. (PNA)