Tropical Depression Emong Enhances Southwest Monsoon Rains
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Emong has exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), yet it continues to strengthen the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat. This weather pattern is expected to bring significant rainfall to several regions across the country.
According to the state weather bureau, Emong left the PAR early Saturday morning but its influence remains strong. The tropical depression was last tracked 785 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, moving north-northeast with sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 60 kph.
“[It] has no direct impact on any part of our country. But it is still possible that it will have a contribution because of its counterclockwise rotation… It will intensify our southwest monsoon,” said a weather specialist from the meteorological agency.
Rainfall Forecast and Affected Areas
The enhanced southwest monsoon is forecast to deliver 50 to 100 millimeters of rain from Saturday through Sunday afternoon. Areas expected to receive this rainfall include Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.
Additionally, the habagat will continue to bring similar rainfall amounts from Sunday afternoon until Monday afternoon, coinciding with the third State of the Nation Address. The regions likely affected during this time are the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.
Monitoring Other Tropical Cyclones Outside PAR
Besides Emong, the weather bureau is tracking two other tropical cyclones beyond the PAR boundaries. One is Severe Tropical Storm Krosa, located about 2,365 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. It moves slowly northeastward, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph and gusts up to 115 kph.
The other system being monitored is Tropical Depression Francisco (formerly Dante), last seen 670 kilometers north-northwest of Itbayat. It carries winds of 45 kph and gusts up to 60 kph, moving westward at a slow pace.
Both cyclones have no direct impact on the Philippines at this time, but authorities remain vigilant in tracking their paths.
For more news and updates on tropical depressions and weather, visit Filipinokami.com.
