LPA may develop into tropical cyclone by June 10

Pagasa weather update. GRAPHICS BY INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — The low‑pressure area (LPA) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) may develop into a tropical cyclone by Tuesday or within the coming days, according to the state weather bureau.

In its morning forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that the LPA was last spotted 85 kilometers west‑northwest of Bacnotan, La Union.

READ: LPA inside PAR has ‘medium’ chance to become tropical depression

“It may develop into a tropical cyclone, possibly tomorrow or in the coming days. Based on current projections, it is expected to move westward away from our country and may exit the PAR in the next few days,” weather specialist Obet Badrina said.

“If it does become a tropical storm, we will name it ‘Auring’ while it remains inside the PAR,” he added.

If the LPA develops into a tropical cyclone, Badrina said it will likely enhance the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.

“The effects of the southwest monsoon are expected to continue, particularly in western Luzon and the Visayas. We anticipate that much of Luzon and the Visayas will experience rainfall due to the southwest monsoon,” Badrina said.

“Meanwhile, parts of Mindanao will experience isolated or scattered showers with occasional lightning and thunder. At the same time, the chance of rainfall is lower in some areas of the Cagayan Valley region,” he added.

Aside from the LPA, Pagasa has not detected any other weather disturbances inside or outside the country’s monitored areas.

Badrina said no gale warnings had been issued for any of the country’s seaboards./mcm/abc