Potential 'Bagyong Kiyapo' moves toward Northern Luzon; Signal No. 2 possible — PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — State weather bureau PAGASA is closely monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) that has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

Satellite image as of 8 p.m. July 22, 2026/PAGASA

As of 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, the weather disturbance, designated as LPA 07d, remained inside PAR and was assessed to have a high likelihood of intensifying into a tropical cyclone.

Once it develops into a tropical depression within PAR, the system will be assigned the local name Kiyapo, after the water cabbage.

By 3:00 p.m., the LPA was located approximately 940 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon and was moving generally west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea.

PAGASA said the system may strengthen into a tropical storm as it moves toward Northern Luzon on Friday or Saturday.

Weather specialist Benison Estareja said the agency's latest tropical cyclone threat potential forecast indicates that the weather disturbance could directly affect the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the Cagayan Valley in the coming days.

He added that parts of Central Luzon, as well as the northern portions of Quezon and the Bicol Region, may also experience the effects of the weather system.

Estareja said the potential cyclone is forecast to reach tropical storm strength as it approaches Cagayan.

He added that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 may be raised over areas expected to experience stronger winds if the forecast track and intensity are maintained.

Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) will continue to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over the rest of Luzon, as well as parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA advised the public to closely monitor its latest weather bulletins and take the necessary precautions as the weather disturbance continues to develop.

— The Summit Express