Future Kiyapo? Incoming LPA has high chance of becoming tropical depression

LPA. Satellite image of the low pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of July 21, 2026, 3 pm. PAGASA The low pressure area might enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday, July 22 MANILA, Philippines – A low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours, the weather bureau said on Tuesday afternoon, July 21. The LPA had formed outside PAR on Monday, July 20. As of 3 pm on Tuesday, it was located 1,505 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA might enter PAR within 12 to 24 hours, or by Wednesday, July 22. If it becomes a tropical cyclone inside PAR or enters PAR as a tropical cyclone, it would be given the local name Kiyapo — the Filipino word for water cabbage or water lettuce. Manila’s Quiapo district got its name from this plant. The potential Kiyapo would be the Philippines’ 11th tropical cyclone for 2026, and the fourth for July. PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja said the incoming weather disturbance could reach tropical storm intensity. In this scenario, the highest possible tropical cyclone wind signal would be Signal No. 2. Estareja added that the future Kiyapo could move toward Northern Luzon on Friday, July 24, or Saturday, July 25. This means Northern Luzon and even Central Luzon may be directly affected during the second half of the week. For now, the trough or extension of the LPA could bring scattered rain and thunderstorms to Eastern Visayas on Tuesday evening. PAGASA advised the public to regularly monitor updates on the potential tropical cyclone as forecasts can still change. The weather bureau is also warning the public to watch out for rain from the southwest monsoon or habagat, especially on the western side of the country. Mindanao, Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, and Palawan are seeing scattered rain and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon on Tuesday evening. At the moment, Metro Manila only has localized thunderstorms, which are not linked to the southwest monsoon. Rain from the southwest monsoon is likely to worsen in the coming days, with PAGASA releasing the following outlook at 5 pm on Tuesday: Wednesday afternoon, July 22, to Thursday afternoon, July 23 Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 millimeters): Maguindanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani Thursday afternoon, July 23, to Friday afternoon, July 24 Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm): Negros Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat Floods and landslides are possible. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading