Tropical Depression Kiko enters PAR

The low-pressure area (LPA) east-northeast of extreme northern Luzon has developed into Tropical Depression Kiko, the first cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this September.

Kiko is the 11th cyclone to enter the PAR this year and was last spotted about 1,170 kilometers east-northeast of extreme northern Luzon.

It is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour.

The tropical depression is moving northward at 15 kph and is currently near the PAR boundary.

PAGASA expects Kiko to exit the PAR on Wednesday afternoon and may strengthen into a tropical storm outside the PAR.

Despite its development, Kiko will not have a direct effect on any part of the country due to its distance.

The Southwest Monsoon, or 'habagat,' is currently affecting the western parts of Luzon and the Visayas, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms.

PAGASA advises the public to be cautious of potential flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.