PAGASA: Good weather expected in next few days

At least for the next few days, Filipinos can expect relatively good weather as there are no threats from any tropical cyclone, state weather forecasters said Saturday. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), however, said there will be scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over parts of the country. “Sa susunod na araw wala, kahit low-pressure area wala," PAGASA forecaster Nelson Dianela said in an interview on dzBB radio. But he said the southwest monsoon will continue to affect Central Luzon and the western section of Southern Luzon, which he said will experience cloudy skies and occasional rain. In Metro Manila, he said the weather for Saturday will be cloudy with possible rain showers and thunderstorms. The country is still reeling from the effects of tropical cyclone “Mina" (Nanmadol), which has so far left more than 30 people dead and more than P1 billion in damage to property. Earlier, PAGASA indicated at least four cyclones are expected to enter Philippine territory in September alone. "We expect three to four tropical cyclones this September," PAGASA said in its Twitter account. The Department of Science and Technology said eight more cyclones are expected for the rest of 2011, all of them "fierce" or having a great chance of making landfall. DOST Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr. said these cyclones may enhance the northeast monsoon (Amihan) when enter the Philippine area of responsibility in the coming months. “Ang ‘ber’ months, ito ang may kalakasan na bagyo na malamang nagla-landfall talaga," he said in an earlier interview. The eight cyclones will be locally codenamed Nonoy, Onyok, Pedring, Quiel, Ramon, Sendong, Tisoy, and Ursula. Additional cyclones for this year may be named Viring, Weng, Yoyoy, and Zigzag. — LBG, GMA News