Weather: Potential cyclone dissipates but another threat looms

A low-pressure area (LPA) that was expected to intensify into a cyclone this week dissipated on Tuesday but state weather forecasters said another weather disturbance looms. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said its models indicate that a new LPA may become a cyclone by Friday. "Nag-dissipate na (ang LPA) pero ang inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) na lang ang umiiral ngayon. Ang ITCZ, anytime pwede mamuo para maging LPA," PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier said in an interview on dzBB radio. Oxford Dictionaries describe an ITCZ as "a narrow zone near the equator where northern and southern air masses converge, typically producing low atmospheric pressure." An ITCZ is considered a breeding ground of sorts for potential cyclones. Javier said if a new LPA forms and becomes a cyclone by Friday, it will be named "Ramon." "Pinapakita ng models natin, sa Friday meron na namang mamumuo kasi sa buwang ito active ang ITCZ, baka may circulation na maliit," Javier said. PAGASA said the ITCZ will continue to affect Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It said the western section of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the southeast to southwest with slight to moderate seas. - VVP, GMA News