The low pressure area (LPA) being monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has developed into a tropical depression and was given a local name “Chedeng.”

The LPA became a tropical depression around 8 a.m., Tuesday, June 6, and was last spotted 1,170 kilometers east of Central Luzon around 11 a.m.

Chedeng is the country’s third tropical cyclone for 2023.

“Tropical depression Chedeng is forecast to remain far from the Philippine landmass. As such, it is unlikely to directly bring heavy rainfall over any portion of the country in the next three to five days,” PAGASA said.

(PAGASA)

Although a landfall is not expected, PAGASA said Chedeng could strengthen the southwest monsoon or "habagat," which could bring rains to parts of the country in the coming days.

As of Tuesday, Chedeng was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts as high as 55 kph, while almost stationary over the Philippine Sea.

“Owing to favorable environmental conditions, Chedeng is forecast to intensify in the next four days and may be upgraded to tropical storm category by tomorrow (June 7). This tropical cyclone may reach typhoon category by Thursday (June 8) and reach its peak intensity during the weekend while over the Philippine Sea east of Northern Luzon,” PAGASA said.

“Chedeng will maintain its west northwestward movement from tomorrow (June 7) until Thursday (June 8). Afterwards, the tropical cyclone will begin turning towards the northwest on Friday (June 9) and to the north during the weekend. Throughout the forecast period, Chedeng will remain far from the Philippine landmass,” it added.