LPA may develop into cyclone by Wednesday, says Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines — The low pressure area (LPA) being monitored inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) may develop into a tropical cyclone on Wednesday, according to the state weather bureau.
Currently, the LPA has a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the LPA — last located 495 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte — is expected to pass through the Southern Luzon-Visayas area on Tuesday.
READ: LPA outside PAR now a tropical depression – Pagasa
It would then reach the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday.
“When the low-pressure area is in the West Philippine Sea or on Wednesday, there is a high chance that it will become a tropical cyclone,” Pagasa weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said.
When the LPA already intensifies into a tropical cyclone, it will be called by its local name, “Henry,” and will be the eighth cyclone in the country for 2026.
As for its effects, the weather bureau said the LPA is forecast to cause moderate to heavy rains, or 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall, over the following areas this Monday:
- Sorsogon
- Masbate
- Northern Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Samar
- Biliran
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Dinagat Islands
- Surigao del Norte
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon, or habagat, is gradually weakening and moving away from the country’s landmass.
“Currently, this southwest monsoon is only affecting the western section of Southern Luzon. But this southwest monsoon is expected to affect Mindanao tomorrow due to the influence of the low-pressure area,” said Aurelio.
No gale warning is currently in effect on any seaboard of the country. /mr
