The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is closely monitoring two low-pressure areas likely to develop into a tropical depression.
In an interview, forecaster Samuel Duran said the LPA spotted at 380 kilometers west-northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan is forecast to become a tropical depression within 48 hours to be named “Domeng.”
“Once it becomes a depression, ‘Domeng’ is expected to exit within 24 hours,” he told the Manila Standard.
On the other hand, the LPA at 635 kms east southwest of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, if it develops into a tropical depression by Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, would be named “Ester.”
“However, ‘Ester’ would not make landfall,” Duran said.
Both LPAs are already within the Philippine area of responsibility, he said.
According to Duran, the weather bureau would look into the development of the LPA over Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur into a depression possibly to enhance the southwest monsoon and spawn rains in Metro Manila.
“Its direction is upwards,” he said.