The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) said that the new tropical disturbance zone, coded Invest 99W, has appeared about 255 km southeast of General Santos City (Philippines).
According to weather forecasters, this system is showing signs of reorganization and is likely to develop into a low pressure in the next few days.
Currently, the 99W has an average wind speed of about 30 km/h, central pressure at 1010 mb, and is moving slowly in the West Northwest to Northwest direction at a speed of 7.4 km/h.
The sea surface temperature in this area reaches 29.5 degrees Celsius, a very favorable level to further strengthen the system. The environment at both the low and upper floors is also considered favorable for the development of 99W.
Although there have been no signs of strong storms, rainfall measured in many areas in the Philippines such as Cotobato, Legaspi and Surigao has increased significantly in the past 24 hours, ranging from 10-16mm. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the Eastern Visayas provinces in the coming days.
Currently, 99W has not directly affected maritime activities, the sea areas from Luzon to Eastern Visayas are still only slightly rough (height 0.1-1.25m), safe for waterway vehicles.
It is forecasted that in the next 7 days, the possibility of Invest 99W developing into a tropical depression is assessed at 60%.
Philippine meteorological agencies recommend that people, especially in the Eastern Visayas and Central regions of the country, closely monitor updated weather forecasts to promptly respond if the situation turns bad.
According to the storm forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), there are 2 most common types of storm formation in May. First, the storm will form in the West Pacific, possibly entering the Philippine Forecast Area (PAR), but changing direction before making landfall.
The other is a storm that formed in the West Pacific, entered PAR, made landfall in the central Philippines, then changed course and moved out of PAR.
