The latest storm and low pressure information from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that low pressure 12a is 1,190km east of southeast Luzon.
The low pressure near the Philippines is between two subtropical high pressure bands, meaning the high pressure area is surrounding both sides of this low pressure.
PAGASA forecasters said that there is a high possibility of the low pressure strengthening into a storm in the next 24 hours. On December 3, this low pressure is likely to enter the Philippine Forecast Area (PAR) at low pressure or tropical depression intensity and will be locally named Wilma.
The new low pressure is forecast to strengthen into a storm while moving in the Philippine Sea.
However, the strong northeast monsoon will prevent Wilma from intensifying and push the storm's path southwest.
Wilma may make landfall in the Eastern Visayas - Caraga region of the Philippines on December 6 or 7, then pass through the Southern Luzon - Visayas region throughout December 8 and 9.
It is forecasted that from December 4, the Wilma low pressure trough may begin affecting Bicol and Eastern Visayas. The wind signal could also be released by PAGASA forecasters at that time.
Notably, Wilma will bring heavy to very heavy rain, especially on its path. Rain caused by wind shear will also add to the rain, affecting eastern areas of Northern and Central Luzon.
Severe and widespread flooding and landslides are possible in many areas.
Philippine typhoon forecasters note that the uncertainty over the intensity and path of Wilma remains high, so people are advised to continue watching updates on the potential tropical storm.
On December 3, the potential storm No. 16 in the East Sea is forecast to not affect any areas of the Philippines.
The northeast monsoon will dominate most of Luzon and is expected to reach the Bicol region by the end of the day. The northeast monsoon will bring light rains to parts of Cordillera, Cagayan Valley and Aurora.
Meanwhile, the tropical convergence zone is weakening but could still cause scattered thunderstorms to eastern Mindanao and the Sulu Islands.
