PAGASA: LPA outside PAR has 'high' chance of becoming tropical depression

A low pressure area (LPA) being monitored outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a high chance of becoming a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said.

As of 8 p.m., the LPA tagged as LPA 06a was monitored to be 370 kilometers west of Basco, Batanes.

PAGASA earlier announced the onset of the rainy season after it observed frequent rains due to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

The state weather bureau said there could be periods of reduced rainfall or monsoon breaks.

Moreover, the Southwest Monsoon is expected to bring rains over the northern and central portions of Luzon on Friday. — JMA, GMA News