PAGASA tracks 'weak' disturbance; no cyclone over PHL

Even as they are tracking a new "weak" weather disturbance, state weather forecasters maintained Tuesday the rain that has fallen on parts of the country is not from a cyclone. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecaster Connie Dadivas said their models indicate a low-pressure area that is not likely to intensify into a cyclone. "Medyo mahina ito at hindi pa natin nakikitang magiging bagyo siya (It is weak at this time and we do not see it becoming a cyclone as of now)," Dadivas said in an interview on dzBB radio. She said it is the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) that is affecting most of the country and may bring rain. The ITCZ is considered a breeding ground for LPAs, some of which can potentially become cyclones. PAGASA earlier said a low-pressure area approaching the country had dissipated. Had the LPA become a cyclone, it would have been codenamed "Ramon." The country is still reeling from the effects of Typhoons Pedring (Nesat) and Quiel (Nalgae). On the other hand, PAGASA hinted on its Twitter account the disturbance is "struggling" to organize. "It is still struggling to organize as of now," it said. But it added that there is a broad cloud system that may bring heavy rainfall in the Batangas area. — RSJ, GMA News