A low-pressure area (LPA) hovering outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is highly likely to intensify into a tropical depression within the day, state weather bureau PAGASA warned on Tuesday, May 26.
Spotted 1,370 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of 8:00 AM, the weather disturbance is projected to enter PAR by Thursday or Friday, May 28 or 29. Once it crosses the boundary as a tropical cyclone, it will be locally named “Domeng.”
While the system is currently moving northward or northwestward, weather specialist Daniel James Villamil noted during PAGASA’s climate forum that the track remains uncertain and subject to change depending on its development. However, its outer bands are already influencing local weather.
“Sa ating latest satellite images, makikita natin itong trough or extension ay nakakaapekto over the southern portion ng Pilipinas. Magdudulot ito ng pag-ulan sa northern and eastern portions of Mindanao,” Villamil explained.
Aside from the LPA’s trough, a southwesterly wind flow—signaling the initial surge of the southwest monsoon or habagat—is expected to bring rains over Palawan and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, and Soccsksargen. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country can expect generally fair weather, with isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms.
Experts are closely watching the potential tropical cyclone, as its development is expected to officially usher in the rainy season. Villamil noted that the system could trigger the full onset of the southwest monsoon, bringing more persistent and heavy rainfall across Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao in the coming days.