LPA intensifies into Tropical Depression Marce

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area off extreme Northern Luzon developed into a tropical depression yesterday, but it was not expected to affect any part of the country, state weather forecasters said.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Tropical Depression Marce was spotted 1,275 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

It packed winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

Marce, the 13th cyclone to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this year, was forecast to move north northwest at 15 kph.

It was expected to exit the country within the next 24 hours and weaken into a low-pressure area as it moves toward Japan, according to PAGASA weather forecaster Joey Figuracion.

Figuracion said Luzon would continue to experience fair weather with chances of isolated rains due to thunderstorms today until Thursday.

He said a shallow low-pressure area is likely to bring scattered rains over Eastern Visayas today.

But starting tomorrow until Thursday, Visayas and Mindanao will experience fair weather aside from isolated rains due to thunderstorms, he said.