Heavy to occasional rains are expected to persist across broad sections of Luzon and western Visayas as three tropical depressions enhance the southwest monsoon (“habagat”), state weather bureau PAGASA reported Monday morning.
At the center of the active weather systems is Tropical Depression “Pilandok,” which slightly strengthened while remaining nearly stationary 1,120 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.
Carrying peak sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts up to 70 km/h, Pilandok is projected to maintain tropical depression status before possibly reaching tropical storm strength by Tuesday and exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.
PAGASA is simultaneously monitoring two other tropical depressions positioned outside the PAR. Low pressure area “Saudel” (formerly Obet) redeveloped 1,180 kilometers west of extreme Northern Luzon, moving south at 15 km/h with 45 km/h sustained winds.
A separate system developed 485 kilometers west-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, tracking north-northeast at 15 km/h with maximum winds of 45 km/h and gusts up to 55 km/h.
Monsoon rains will directly affect the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. Occasional downpours are forecast over Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, the Babuyan Islands, Batanes, and the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Cloudy skies accompanied by scattered rains and thunderstorms will cover Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Aurora, the remaining areas of Cagayan Valley, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Aklan, and Antique.
Meanwhile, isolated rain showers are expected across the rest of Luzon, the Negros Island Region, and Western Visayas due to the monsoon, while localized thunderstorms will affect Visayas and Mindanao.
Disaster authorities warn of potential flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. Operators of small sea craft and motorbancas have also been strongly advised against navigating Luzon’s western seaboard due to rough sea conditions.
In addition, weather forecasters noted an inactive low pressure area situated 3,105 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, which currently poses no direct threat to the archipelago.