Low Pressure Area Enters PAR, May Form First 2026 Depression

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported on Tuesday that a low pressure area has entered the country's area of responsibility east of southeastern Mindanao, with a medium chance of developing into the first tropical depression of 2026 within the next 24 hours.

As of early afternoon, the weather disturbance was located approximately 1,000 kilometers east of the region, according to PAGASA officials. If it intensifies, it will be named Ada, marking the initial cyclone on the agency's roster for the year. Nathaniel Servando, PAGASA chief, noted that the system, embedded within the intertropical convergence zone, is moving generally northwest toward Eastern Visayas. Weather specialist John Manalo projected it could reach tropical depression status by Thursday at the latest, potentially drawing closest to the Philippine landmass over the weekend of January 16 and 17.

Even in its current form, the trough of the low pressure area is already influencing weather patterns across several regions. PAGASA's 4 p.m. advisory indicated cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms in the Davao Region, Caraga, Northern...