Typhoon Obet, known internationally as Saudel, exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday night, August 24. However, state weather forecasters caution that the storm could still pull in the southwest monsoon, prolonging wet weather conditions across portions of Luzon.
According to the 5 a.m. public forecast by PAGASA, Obet was situated 1,180 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon as of 3 a.m.. Moving west-northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour, the typhoon maintained peak winds of 150 kph near its center with peak gusts reaching 185 kph.
Meteorologists explained that as the system advances further north, it will continue to pull the Habagat toward the landmass.
“Sa pagkilos nga niya [Obet] sa ating hilaga ay posibleng makahatak pa ito ng southwest monsoon o Habagat,” PAGASA noted during its forecast presentation.
Simultaneously, weather monitoring systems are tracking two other weather disturbances outside PAR:
- Tropical Depression Atsani: Last spotted 1,760 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, carrying winds of 55 kph and gusts up to 70 kph. Moving northward at 30 kph, forecasters have not ruled out its potential entry into PAR due to its proximity to the boundary.
- Low Pressure Area (LPA): Formerly Tropical Depression Neneng, the remnant system was tracked 670 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
Monsoon rains driven by the Habagat will bring overcast skies, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Ilocos Region, Cavite, Batangas, and Rizal.
Heavier downpours are anticipated in the western sections of Northern and Central Luzon, with localized thunderstorms affecting the rest of the island.
While monsoon effects are expected to persist for several days before easing around August 29, the state weather bureau cautioned that path forecasts remain subject to change over the next three to five days.
Meanwhile, Visayas and Mindanao can expect warm, humid morning conditions followed by afternoon localized thunderstorms.