LPA spotted off Catanduanes, may develop into PH’s first cyclone of 2025

National

THE country could experience its first tropical cyclone of 2025 as a low-pressure area (LPA) currently within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) shows signs of intensifying, the state weather bureau reported Friday, June 6.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the LPA was located approximately 340 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, as of 3 p.m. Friday. It has a medium likelihood of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, though forecasters noted that monitoring will continue beyond that period.

Though it has not yet reached cyclone status, the LPA is already affecting large parts of the country as it enhances the southwest monsoon.

The combined effects of the LPA and the southwest monsoon are bringing cloudy skies, scattered rainshowers, and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. PAGASA warned that these weather conditions could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in flood-prone and mountainous areas.

The trough of the LPA is also responsible for rainfall in Quezon province, the Bicol Region, and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.

Forecast rainfall in affected areas may reach 50 to 100 millimeters between Thursday and the weekend. Areas likely to experience significant rainfall include Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Masbate, Eastern Samar, Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Quezon, and Batangas.

Similar conditions are expected from Sunday to Monday in Romblon, Iloilo, Guimaras, and parts of Zamboanga del Norte.

Rain is expected to persist into early next week in Metro Manila, Baguio City, Legazpi City, Metro Cebu, Iloilo, and Tacloban. Most of Visayas and Mindanao are also likely to remain under cloudy skies with intermittent thunderstorms.

Although no gale warning is in effect, Pagasa advised caution for small vessels navigating coastal waters in the western and northern parts of the country, where moderate sea conditions and thunderstorms may pose risks.

The public is encouraged to stay updated through official Pagasa advisories, especially those in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.(MyTVCebu)