LPA enters PAR, possible first storm this year

Metro Manila, Philippines - A low pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on early Friday morning, June 6, and is seen to become this year’s first storm by the weekend, the weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA is seen to move closer to the landmass of Bicol region and Eastern Visayas.

“Base sa ating latest analysis, kung kahapon mababa ang tiyansa na ito’y maging isang ganap na bagyo, ngayon moderate na ‘yong tiyansa or may katamtamang tiyansa na maging ganap na bagyo sa loob ng 24 oras,” PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said.

[Translation: Yesterday, it had a low chance, but based on the latest analysis, it now has a moderate chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within 24 hours.]

Estareja said the LPA is forecast to bring rains over areas in Bicol, Visayas, and Caraga region.

He also said the weather disturbance will strengthen the southwest monsoon, or habagat, affecting weather conditions in the western portions of the country.

According to PAGASA, the LPA entered the PAR at 2 a.m. The weather disturbance was spotted 480 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas at 8 a.m. on Friday.

Once it becomes a tropical depression, it will be called “Auring,” the first tropical cyclone this year.

PAGASA said there might be one or two tropical cyclones this June. The bureau is expecting 11 to 19 tropical cyclones this year.

State meteorologists declared the start of the rainy season on Monday.