MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) has developed into a tropical cyclone and is set to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) tonight or tomorrow morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was located at 1,735 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, moving northwestward at 35 kms per hour. It is packing winds of 55 kph and gusts of 70 kph.
Once inside the PAR, it will be given the domestic name Francisco.
While it is not affecting the country at present, PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin dela Cruz-Galicia did not rule out the possibility of landfall.
Still, current forecasts show Francisco is likely to recurve toward Japan after entering PAR.
The tropical cyclone is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, which could bring rains over parts of the country.