LPA outside PAR now a cyclone, may enter on Nov. 4

Metro Manila, Philippines — The low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has developed into a tropical depression, the country's weather bureau reported on Sunday, Nov. 3.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the LPA turned into a tropical cyclone at 2 p.m. and may enter PAR on Nov. 4. Once in, it will be given the local name Marce.

The weather disturbance was monitored 1,350 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas at 3 p.m. Moving northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph), it had maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gustiness or strong wind bursts reaching up to 70 kph.

The tropical depression may strengthen the surge of northeasterly windflow this week, the weather bureau said.

PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said there are two scenarios: One, the cyclone will cross Northern Luzon or Extreme Northern Luzon; two, it will approach near Philippine landmass and recurvate.

By Tuesday, the tropical depression or its tail will start dumping rains over parts of the country, PAGASA said.

If the forecast track leans toward a landfall scenario, heavy to torrential rains may be expected over Northern Luzon on Thursday or Friday.

For Monday, Nov. 4, the entire country will have fair weather condition with chances of localized thunderstorms.