Tropical Depression Luis could strengthen into a tropical storm by Monday, Aug. 3, potentially triggering Signal No. 2 in parts of Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday, August 2.
PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina reported that Luis slightly gained strength while moving slowly west-southwestward. The tropical depression packs maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 70 km/h. As of 5:00 AM, it was spotted 295 kilometers east of Daet, Camarines Norte.
Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over the Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, northern Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.
Badrina noted that Luis is already bringing overcast skies across most of Luzon and the Visayas. Meanwhile, Mindanao can expect generally fair weather, albeit with chances of isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
Over the next 24 hours, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecasted for Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes. Scattered rains and thunderstorms are likewise expected over Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Aklan, and Antique.
According to Badrina, Luis will likely continue to impact the country in the coming days, especially the eastern sections of Central Luzon and the Bicol Region, where persistent rains and gusty winds are expected.
Additionally, PAGASA is tracking Super Typhoon “Dolphin” (international name) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Located 3,410 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, Dolphin has maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts up to 230 km/h, moving west-northwestward at 25 km/h.
While the likelihood of Dolphin crossing the northern PAR border remains low for now, Badrina stated that it is enhancing the southwest monsoon (habagat). This enhanced monsoon will bring moderate to heavy rains over Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan over the next 24 hours, extending to Occidental Mindoro by Tuesday.
Scattered monsoon rains may also affect Metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and the Bicol Region.
Badrina mentioned that Super Typhoon Dolphin might eventually absorb Tropical Depression Luis as it nears the northern boundary of PAR, causing Luis to degrade into a low-pressure area by Wednesday, August 5.
PAGASA advises the public to stay vigilant against potential flash floods and landslides, particularly those living in low-lying and hazard-prone areas.