The latest storm and low pressure information from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on the morning of December 2 said that the low pressure outside the Philippine Forecast Area (PAR) is likely to strengthen into a tropical storm.
"This high pressure is likely to strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 24 to 48 hours. When entering PAR at typhoon level, we will name the system Wilma," PAGASA weather expert Chenel Dominguez said in the bulletin.
The last time this low pressure was detected was 1,275km east of southeast Luzon.
PAGASA forecaster also pointed out that the low pressure system expected to strengthen into Typhoon Wilma could make landfall in eastern areas of the country.
"The storm is expected to make landfall in Eastern Visayas or Caraga. However, we are not yet sure how this storm will go," Dominguez explained.
Due to the influence of the new low pressure, rain is forecast in the eastern Philippines, especially in the Bicol region, Eastern Visayas and Mindanao from December 5, the Philippine weather forecaster added.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) are causing rain to the two areas opposite the Philippines.
PAGASA warns of scattered light rains in the Batanes and Babuyan Islands due to the northeast monsoon, while scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast in Mindanao due to the tropical convergence zone.
Manila and other parts of the Philippines may also see scattered showers due to localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA's typhoon forecast bulletin released on December 1 said that while Typhoon No. 15 Koto is active in the East Sea, a new low pressure will form at the western boundary of PAGASA's TCAD forecast area during the week from December 1 to December 7.
This low pressure is expected to make landfall in the Caraga - Visayas - Southern Luzon area, Philippines with the possibility of strengthening into a storm or tropical depression from low to moderate.
This low pressure is forecast to enter the East Sea during the week of December 8 to December 14 after passing through the Mindoro - Palawan area of the Philippines.
During its operation in the southern East Sea, this low pressure will still maintain the possibility of strengthening into a storm or tropical depression from low to moderate level.
