LPA enters PAR, may become Philippines’ first tropical cyclone in 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A low pressure area (LPA) that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 2 pm on Tuesday, January 13, could become the country’s first tropical cyclone for 2026.

The LPA was located 1,000 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao as of 3 pm, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in a briefing on Tuesday afternoon.

It has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours, but beyond that period, the likelihood is expected to increase.

PAGASA Weather Specialist John Manalo said the LPA may become a tropical depression by Thursday, January 15, at the latest. Its local name would be Ada.

Manalo added that the weather system is generally heading northwest toward Eastern Visayas, and could be closest to Philippine landmass on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17.

Even before then, however, the trough or extension of the LPA may already start bringing scattered rain and thunderstorms to the Davao Region, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Sarangani, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte on Tuesday evening.

PAGASA warned the affected regions and provinces to watch out for flash floods and landslides.

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Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or amihan is affecting Northern Luzon and Central Luzon, especially Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora, which may have light to heavy rain in the coming hours. The rest of Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region will only see light rain, while the rest of Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region could have isolated showers.

Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, may also experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean. – Rappler.com