LPA Outside PAR Has Even Chance to Develop into Tropical Depression

A low pressure area (LPA) located outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has an even chance of intensifying into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). The weather system is currently positioned approximately 2,430 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas and may strengthen into a tropical cyclone while still outside Philippine territory. Pagasa weather specialist Leanne Loreto confirmed that the LPA is not directly affecting any part of the Philippines at present. If the system develops into a tropical cyclone and enters PAR over the weekend, it will be assigned the local name “Francisco.” However, Loreto noted that it is unlikely to make landfall in the country. Should the disturbance enter PAR, it could enhance the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” by Sunday or Monday, potentially bringing increased rainfall to some areas. Meanwhile, the easterlies are expected to bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms across Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and the eastern section of Mindanao. Loreto indicated that hot and humid conditions will prevail in many parts of the country, although isolated rain showers remain possible. Metro Manila and the rest of the country may also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, primarily due to localized thunderstorms. “Even during the rainy season, we can still experience hot weather because of the monsoon break,” Loreto explained. No gale warning is in effect, and coastal waters nationwide are expected to remain slight to moderate.