After Nika, another typhoon may enter PAR and make landfall over Luzon

Photo from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

MANILA, Philippines — The tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is seen to develop into a typhoon and make landfall over Luzon just days after Typhoon Nika pummeled parts of the island.

The tropical depression will be named “Ofel” when it enters PAR, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) 11 a.m. update.

READ: Nika now a typhoon, Signal No. 4 up in several Luzon areas

The tropical depression was last spotted 1,480 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) with gustiness of 35 kph. Pagasa said the tropical depression was also moving at a fast pace at 35 kph.

“The tropical depression will steadily move northwestward and enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow (Tuesday) as Ofel,” Pagasa said.

“On the forecast track, the tropical depression may make landfall over Northern or Central Luzon on Thursday evening or Friday early morning,” it added.

Pagasa said the tropical cyclone is forecast to intensify in the next three days and reach typhoon category on Wednesday.

“It may also hit land at or near its peak intensity,” it added.

Ofel will be the fifth tropical cyclone that entered the country this month.

As of 11 a.m. November 11, Tropical Wind Signals were raised over the following areas due to Typhoon Nika.