Satellite image shows a low pressure area east of Cagayan province on May 22, 202

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday it is monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao that may develop into the country’s first cyclone of the year. 

The cloud cluster east of southeastern Mindanao developed into an LPA this morning, according to PAGASA. 

The weather disturbance may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight or Thursday morning. 

It may affect and make landfall over the Bicol region-Eastern Visayas area by late Friday or on Saturday, still as an LPA. Then, it may emerge over the waters east of Luzon.

If the LPA becomes a tropical depression, it will be named Aghon, making it the country’s first cyclone of 2024. 

By Friday, the LPA may bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Bicol region and Eastern Visayas. 

PAGASA previously said the country may see up to two tropical cyclones this month as hot weather continues to affect the country.