The cloud cluster east of Mindanao developed into a low pressure area (LPA) on Wednesday morning, May 22, and could potentially intensify into a tropical depression by the end of the week, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) during its climate outlook forum.
Weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said the LPA, which developed at 8 a.m., was located 1,255 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao and may enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) either Wednesday evening or Thursday, May 23.
She noted that the LPA may affect or make landfall over the Bicol Region-Eastern Visayas area by late Friday or Saturday, May 24 or 25.
De la Cruz-Galicia said that afterward, the LPA may move over the waters east of Luzon.
Although the development into a tropical depression around Sunday or Monday, May 26 or 27, is not ruled out, it is less likely, she pointed out.
However, should the ridge of a high pressure area weaken earlier, the LPA may instead “recurve” over the Philippine Sea near Bicol Region-Eastern Visayas and develop into a tropical depression by Friday or Saturday, she added.
If it develops into a tropical depression, PAGASA will assign it the local name “Aghon,” the first tropical cyclone for 2024.
From Wednesday to Thursday, De la Cruz-Galicia said generally fair weather conditions are expected across the country, with higher chances of thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening.
On Friday, generally fair weather conditions will persist over most parts of the country, with the possibility of isolated rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
The LPA may bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in the eastern section of the country, particularly the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.
From Saturday to Sunday, the trough of the LPA could bring scattered rain showers over the eastern portion of southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, potentially triggering flash floods and landslides.
The rest of the country will continue experiencing isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.