PAGASA monitors LPA near Mindanao - January 3, 2013

Residents of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental area were alerted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) due to a low pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Mindanao on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

PAGASA said that the LPA has a "very low probability of developing into a tropical cyclone." However, residents in the mentioned areas were advised by the weather bureau to "take all necessary precautionary measures."

According to the latest PAGASA weather forecast:

The LPA is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains (2.5-10.0 millimeters per hour) and thunderstorms to Mindanao and the provinces of Samar and Leyte and may trigger flash floods and landslides.

As of 2 a.m. today, the LPA was located approximately in the area of Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur.

Gale warning was issued by PAGASA as of 5 a.m. on Thursday. PAGASA said:

Strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao.

PAGASA Weather Forecast for January 2: 1st Official Working Day of 2013

It's business as usual in the Philippines today, Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Many Filipino employees are expected to be early for work today.

It has been a belief by many, that getting up early for work at the start of the year may bring luck to them.

A lot of business establishments and manufacturing companies are set to resume operations today.

Generally, the whole country will experience a good weather condition, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The weather bureau, however, spotted at 2:00 a.m. today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) in the Mindanao area.

PAGASA's latest weather forecast indicates that:

At 2:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 1,020 KM Southeast of Mindanao (5.0°N, 136.0°E) embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.

For more Philippine weather updates, you may visit the PAGASA official website or you may follow their Twitter and Facebook accounts. The latest weather news can also be obtained by calling call PAGASA's 24-hour hotline at 433- ULAN (433-8526).

SMART Mobile users can also receive the latest weather announcements and advisories through SMS.