The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on May 5 that low pressure area 05b, located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, was about 2,590 km east of northeastern Mindanao and had a high chance of strengthening.
If it develops further, the system could bring rain to parts of the Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan on May 7 and May 8.
Low-pressure areas active off the Philippines coast (Photo: Windy).
Another system, low pressure area 05a, was also being monitored about 1,100 km east of northeastern Mindanao, though its chances of developing into a tropical depression remain low.
PAGASA forecasts that one or two tropical cyclones could form within or enter the Philippines in May.
The country has recorded two storms so far this year, tropical storm Ada in January and tropical storm Basyang in early February.
The Philippines is currently in its hot and dry season, expected to last until mid May, with warm easterly winds from the Pacific bringing moisture that is contributing to high heat levels and triggering afternoon and evening thunderstorms.