LPA Likely to Develop into Tropical Depression, Approaches Philippines

The low pressure area (LPA) that has been bringing rains over the eastern section of the country has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and remains highly likely to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau announced on Wednesday. The LPA entered the PAR around 7 a.m. and continues to have a high chance of developing into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 p.m. press briefing. Once it develops into a storm, it will be assigned the local name Kiyapo, the country’s 11th tropical cyclone for 2026. Potential Tropical Depression Kiyapo was last located 940 kilometers east of Southern Luzon. It is expected to develop into a tropical storm during its passage over PAR and may prompt Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in several areas. As for its forecast track, PAGASA said Potential Kiyapo is expected to move west-northwestward toward Northern Luzon between Friday and Saturday. “It will directly affect the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley,” PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said during the press briefing in Filipino. “It is also expected to partially affect some areas in Central Luzon and the northern portions of Quezon Province and the Bicol Region,” he added. Mr. Estareja said that the trough of the LPA has brought rains over the Bicol Region, the eastern section of the Visayas, and Romblon. These conditions are expected to continue overnight, with light to moderate rains and occasional heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall warning has been raised in Cagayan as of 5:00 p.m. due to the effects LPA, PAGASA said. The province is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon. Heavy to intense rainfall, meanwhile, is expected over Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur from Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. PAGASA warned that flooding and landslides are possible in the affected areas, especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas. — Edg Adrian A. Eva