QUEZON CITY, Philippines — A tropical depression spotted outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is forecasted to enter the region between Thursday morning and afternoon, September 24, according to the state weather bureau.
In its 5 a.m. public bulletin on Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the weather system was last tracked 1,920 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon. Moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour, the system carries maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near its center and gustiness reaching up to 70 km/h.
PAGASA confirmed that the weather disturbance is currently not causing direct impacts anywhere in the archipelago. Upon entering PAR, it will receive the local name “Queenie.”
Weather specialist Chenel Dominguez stated that the tropical depression is anticipated to intensify into a tropical storm before crossing the PAR boundary and could escalate to typhoon strength while inside the country’s jurisdiction. However, it is expected to remain offshore.
“Sa ating forecast track papasok ito bilang isang ganap na tropical storm category at dito sa loob ng ating Philippine Area of Responsibility nakikita natin ang kanyang highest category ay typhoon category. Pero kung makikita din po natin, palayo po ito ng ating kalupaan kaya hindi natin inaasahan na magkakaroon po tayo ng landfall scenario dito sa malaking bahagi ng ating bansa,” Dominguez said.
Though the cyclone will enhance the southwest monsoon (Habagat), forecasters do not anticipate widespread severe downpours similar to previous storm events.
“Pero inaasahan po natin posible pa rin itong humila ng habagat. Pero hindi na natin inaasahan na makakaranas pa tayo ng mga malawakang pag-ulan katulad po ng mga nangyari nung mga nakaraang buwan kahit hihilain po nito ang ating habagat,” Dominguez added.
Regional Weather Outlook
- Luzon: Generally fair weather with warm and humid conditions is expected throughout Wednesday, particularly around midday and early afternoon. Localized thunderstorms may still trigger isolated rain showers during the afternoon or evening.
- Eastern Visayas and Mindanao: The outer cloud band (trough) of the tropical depression is bringing elevated chances of rainfall over Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Davao Oriental.
- Palawan and Rest of Visayas/Mindanao: Mostly fair weather is forecasted, though isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms remain possible.
No gale warnings are currently active across any coastal waters or seaboards in the country.