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

The low pressure area (LPA) being monitored outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a “high” chance of developing into a tropical depression, the state weather bureau said.

The LPA (LPA 06b) was last monitored 2,215 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.

Earlier, PAGASA said the LPA may enter the PAR by this weekend and will be given the local name, “Francisco.”

It would be the sixth storm to enter the country this year, but the chance of making landfall is still low, the state weather bureau said.

On Friday, the easterlies are forecast to bring rains over Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and the eastern section of Mindanao. — JMA, GMA News