The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is closely monitoring a Low Pressure Area (LPA) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) that may intensify into a tropical cyclone within the next 12 hours.
In an update issued early Saturday, Pagasa weather specialist Daniel Villamil said the LPA was located about 1,150 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon as of 3 a.m. However, he emphasized that, as of the latest forecast, the system had no direct impact on the country.
"This LPA has a high probability of developing into a tropical depression, and if it does, it will be named 'Nika,'" Villamil said.
The LPA was first identified at around 2 a.m. and is being closely watched as it continues to move westward. Should it gain strength and become a tropical depression, it would be the first cyclone to form in the region this month, following the exit of Tropical Storm "Marce" on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Pagasa also noted that the provinces of Cagayan and Aurora are experiencing the effects of easterlies—warm winds originating from the Pacific Ocean. These conditions are expected to bring partly cloudy skies and isolated rain showers across the region.
The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will likely experience generally fair weather with partly cloudy to cloudy skies. However, localized thunderstorms may cause brief, isolated rain showers in various areas.
Pagasa reminded the public to stay updated on weather advisories, especially as the LPA has the potential to intensify into a tropical depression in the coming hours.