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Although the weather conditions are generally fair, state weather forecasters are not discounting the possibility of a cyclone entering or forming inside Philippine territory in the first month of 2012.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said, "occasionally, cyclones enter Philippine territory at this time of year, but these may likely affect the southern part of the country."

In an interview on dzBB, PAGASA forecaster Manny Mendoza on Sunday said cold weather and the northeast monsoon may make it hard for weather disturbances, such as low-pressure areas (LPA), to develop into cyclones.

Mendoza cited the case of an LPA off Mindanao, which he said has a slim chance of becomng a cyclone at this time.

"Malamig na simoy ng hangin, umaabot ng South Mindanao. Posibleng maging dahilan para malusaw ang LPA," he said.

The first cyclone to enter or form inside Philippine territory will be codenamed "Ambo."

A PAGASA list last updated on Jan. 7, 2008 said other names for cyclones that may enter Philippine territory in 2012 include:

•  Butchoy
•  Cosme
•  Dindo
•  Enteng
•  Frank
•  Gener
•  Helen
•  Igme
•  Julian
•  Karen
•  Lawin
•  Marce
•  Nina
•  Ofel
•  Pablo
•  Quinta
•  Rolly
•  Siony
•  Tonyo
•  Ulysses
•  Vicky
•  Warren
•  Yoyong
•  Zosimo

However, "Frank" may be delisted due to the severe damage it caused in 2008. — LBG, GMA News