PAGASA sees low probability of cyclone formation as Angat Dam nears minimum operating level

PAGASA sees low probability of cyclone formation as Angat Dam nears minimum operating level


The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday, May 13, that there is still a slim chance of a tropical cyclone developing this week.

Weather specialist Obet Badrina said PAGASA has not observed a low pressure area (LPA) with the potential for tropical cyclone development within or outside the country’s area of responsibility.

This trend is expected to persist throughout the week.

PAGASA said the prevailing weather system, the easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will likely bring partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over the next 24 hours.

However, Badrina said there remains a possibility of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

Dam status

Due to the lack of rainfall, the water level in the dams continues to decrease.

As of 6 a.m., the water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan measured 183 meters, which was 0.43 meters lower than the previous day’s measurement of 183.43 meters.

Angat Dam’s water level is currently 27 meters below its normal high water level of 212 meters and approaching its minimum operating level of 180 meters.

During the same monitoring period, the water level at Binga Dam in Benguet decreased from 568.15 meters to 567.61 meters.

It is also below its normal high water level of 575 meters.

Meanwhile, San Roque Dam in Pangasinan and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija have not experienced changes in their water levels over the past 24 hours, which can be attributed to rainfall in their respective watershed areas.

The water level at San Roque Dam was 226.68 meters, but significantly lower than its normal high water level of 280 meters by 53.32 meters.

Likewise, Pantabangan Dam's water level stood at 173.69 meters, but 42.31 meters below its normal high water level of 216 meters.