LPA may intensify into cyclone this weekend

MANILA, Philippines —  A low-pressure area spotted over Eastern Visayas may develop into a tropical cyclone this weekend and will enhance the southwest monsoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin Galicia said the cyclone may enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Sunday and will be given the name Francisco.

As it enters PAR, Francisco is expected to recurve and move toward Japan in the next few days.

While the weather disturbance will not make landfall, it is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was located 2,385 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.

PAGASA is also monitoring another LPA, which has a low to medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone next week.