Potential Tropical Depression May Enter PAR in 12-24 Hours

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) that has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) within the next 12 to 24 hours, the state weather bureau said on Tuesday. In its 5 p.m. weather forecast, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather specialist Benison Estareja said that the LPA has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression and enter the PAR within 12 to 24 hours. "It is expected to move west or north once it enters PAR, and then northwest towards extreme Northern Luzon or Northern Luzon by Friday or Saturday," Estareja said in Filipino. "It may possibly have a direct effect on many parts of Northern and even Central Luzon given the broad scope of this potential tropical cyclone," he added. Estareja said that the potential tropical depression will be named Kiyapo once it enters PAR, the fourth tropical cyclone for the month of July. He also said that tropical cyclone wind signals until signals may be raised. Estareja also said that parts of the country that will not be affected by the potential tropical cyclone from Thursday until weekend will still experience the effects of southwest monsoon or “habagat." Heavy rains may prevail over the western section of the country, particularly in parts of the Bangsamoro region, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City). Wednesday weather forecast Estareja reported that parts of the Bicol region, Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon will experience cloudy skies and rain showers from esrly morning until noon. He added that light to moderate and at times heavy rain will prevail in the Bicol region in the afternoon and evening due to the trough or extension of the LPA. For the rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, cloudy skies are expected in the morning until afternoon while overcast skies and localized thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region and Central Luzon. Meanwhile, southwest monsoon or “habagat” will bring overcast skies and light to moderate rains to Palawan, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Temperature forecast in the following cities / areas