LPA outside PAR has 'medium' chance of becoming tropical depression

The state weather bureau is monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) that has a “medium” chance of developing into a tropical depression in the next 24 hours.

In its 10 p.m. update on its Facebook page, PAGASA said the LPA was estimated to be 1,305 km east of Eastern Visayas as of 8 p.m. Monday. It will be called Wilma once it becomes a tropical depression.

In its Tropical Cyclone Threat Potential Advisory, the state weather bureau said there is a “low to moderate likelihood” of tropical cyclone development in the first week of December.

Once the LPA has developed into a tropical depression, it is seen to cross the CARAGA, Visayas, and Southern Luzon.

In the second week of December, it is expected to move towards the Mindoro and Palawan area before exiting the PAR.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Koto (formerly Verbena) was spotted 515 km northwest of Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan outside the PAR. It is almost stationary and is packing winds of 45 km/h and gustiness of 55 km/h. — JMA, GMA Integrated News