2 days ago
PAGASA: LPA likely to become tropical depression within 24 hours
State weather bureau PAGASA on Thursday said that the low pressure area (LPA) being monitored over Northern Luzon now has a "high" chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.
According to a Balitanghali report, as of 10:00 a.m., the LPA was spotted over the waters near Itbayat, Batanes.
Should it intensify, the weather system will be named Tropical Depression Auring, the first tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this rainy season.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Wutip, which remains outside PAR, continues to move toward Southern China. It was last seen 1,085 kilometers west of Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour.
Despite the presence of Wutip and the LPA, PAGASA emphasized that it is the southwest monsoon or habagat that is currently causing widespread rains across the country.
The agency warns that heavy to intense rainfall may lead to flash floods and landslides, particularly in Luzon and Mindanao — areas already experiencing rain showers due to the monsoon flow.
Metro Manila and parts of the Visayas are also likely to experience scattered rains and thunderstorms in the coming hours.
This weather disturbance comes as the country marks Independence Day, with celebrations across the archipelago potentially affected by wet weather conditions.
PAGASA continues to monitor developments closely and advises the public to stay updated through official channels for potential storm bulletins and advisories. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
