Pagasa: LPA may turn into tropical depression, but not likely to make landfall

MANILA, Philippines — The low pressure area (LPA) located in the Batanes area may develop into tropical depression in the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported Friday afternoon.

In its weather bulletin, the state weather bureau said once the LPA develops into a tropical depression, it will be named “Igme,” the ninth storm to hit the country this year.

However, Pagasa said it is not expected to make landfall and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday evening or early Sunday morning.

As of 3 p.m., the LPA was located 125 kilometers north, northeast of Basco, Batanes, and will bring rain showers in Northern Luzon.

Rain showers are also expected in Northern Luzon, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Region, and Cagayan Valley on Saturday due to southwest monsoon intensified by the LPA.

Central Luzon is also expected to experience cloudy weather with scattered rain showers, Pagasa said.

Bicol Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Visayas, and Mindanao will experience fair weather with thunderstorms and rain showers in the afternoon and evening which may last for two hours.

EDV