The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Monday remained hopeful that the approaching low-pressure area (LPA) threatening to bring heavy rains to Albay would eventually dissipate.

Robert Sawi, chief of PAGASA’s weather forecasting section, said the “weak” rain-inducing weather system is still over Marianas and Caroline Islands as of Monday morning.

“Malayong-malayo pa,” Sawi told Manila Bulletin adding that there is still “50-50” percent chance that the LPA would enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility
after Christmas.

“Only two of five of our forecast
models show that the LPA would enter the country,” Sawi said.

Sawi said the weak LPA might dissipate because of the cold weather brought about by the northeast monsoon.

The state-meteorologists on Sunday said the LPA is threatening
to hit the southern part of the country and bring heavy rains to Albay which is facing the imminent
hazardous explosion of Mayon Volcano.(JC Bello Ruiz)