LPA on Track to Enter PAR, Potentially Becoming Cyclone Ramil
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced on Wednesday that a low pressure area (LPA) has a strong chance of entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and could develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. If it strengthens as expected once inside PAR, the system would be given the domestic name ‘Ramil,’ marking the 18th cyclone to affect the Philippines in 2025, according to Pagasa meteorology specialist Chenel Dominguez.
Forecasters warn that, should the LPA push into PAR, its interaction with landmasses and regional weather patterns could influence rainfall distribution across northern Luzon. The agency cautions residents to stay updated with the latest advisories as winds and rain bands could intensify over the weekend, particularly in areas close to the path of the developing cyclone.
Expected Impacts and Weather Patterns
Pagasa noted that easterly winds, which bring warm and humid air, are currently affecting many parts of the country. These include Metro Manila, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Isabela, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Capiz, Aklan, Cebu, and Bohol. The easterlies typically enhance shower and thunderstorm activity, especially in the afternoons and early evenings, and can lead to heavy rain in vulnerable areas if a stronger system engages with the moisture-laden air mass.
In the northern sections, a separate northeasterly wind flow is expected to prevail over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. This pattern may bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains, providing a temporary contrast to the heavier rainfall associated with the developing LPA once it enters PAR.
For most of Luzon and large portions of Visayas, the long-range forecast points to a mix of partly cloudy to overcast skies with scattered rain showers or thunderstorms driven by the persistent easterlies. The public is advised to monitor the latest weather bulletins as this system could alter local weather predictions in the coming days.
What Residents Should Do
Communities along the northern coastlines and other flood-prone areas should prepare for possible heavy rainfall and localized flooding if the LPA intensifies into a tropical depression and possibly a cyclone. Here are practical steps for residents and local authorities:
- Keep emergency kits ready with essential supplies, including drinking water, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food.
- Secure outdoor objects and trim loose branches that could become projectiles in strong winds.
- Monitor Pagasa advisories and local disaster risk reduction management offices for evacuation instructions if needed.
- Plan alternate routes and check drainage systems in urban areas to reduce flood risk during heavy rain events.
- Charge mobile devices and have a communication plan with family and neighbors in case of power outages.
Pagasa emphasizes that the forecast remains subject to change as the system’s organization evolves. The public is urged to rely on official sources for updates and to follow the guidance of local authorities for any protective actions. The development of the LPA into a tropical depression and potentially a cyclone will be updated as new data becomes available, including its trajectory and intensity estimates.
Context on the 2025 Typhoon Season
As the season progresses, the emergence of LPAs and their potential intensification into tropical cyclones continues to be a regular feature of the Philippine weather pattern. While exact landfall points and timing remain uncertain, the trend underlines the importance of preparedness and timely information sharing across regions frequently affected by monsoon rains and tropical systems. Pagasa remains at the forefront of monitoring, issuing advisories, and guiding communities through the evolving conditions.
