A LOW pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine area of responsibility intensified yesterday into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA said the tropical depression was some 2,645 km east of Central Luzon as of 3 p.m. yesterday. It was moving eastward slowly, was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

“It’s too far from landmass and is not affecting any part of the country,” said PAGASA weather forecaster Chenel Dominguez.

Dominguez said the tropical depression has a small chance of entering the PAR.

PAGASA is monitoring two other LPAs. One of them is inside the PAR or 715 km east of extreme northern Luzon as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

Dominguez said the LPA may intensify into a tropical depression within 48 hours, from 5 p.m. yesterday.

It is not expected to make landfall as it is heading towards north Pacific Ocean.

The second LPA is outside the PAR or 1,450 km east of Eastern Visayas also as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

It is not expected to enter the PAR as it is forecast to dissipate in the coming days.