Tropical Depression May Pull Southwest Monsoon Away
MANILA, Philippines — The low-pressure area (LPA) recently tracked by weather authorities has developed into a tropical depression after exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). This change could potentially pull the southwest monsoon away from the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
In the 5 a.m. forecast, a Pagasa weather specialist reported that the tropical depression was last located 555 kilometers west of Bacnotan, La Union, outside the PAR. It carries maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour, moving northwest at 15 kilometers per hour.
“It became a cyclone outside the PAR, so we did not give it a local name,” the specialist explained, noting that currently, the cyclone has no direct impact on any part of the Philippines. However, if it intensifies further, it might pull the southwest monsoon away from the country. As a result, most areas could experience warmer weather in the coming days, although afternoon to evening localized thunderstorms remain likely.
Weather Outlook Across the Philippines
The southwest monsoon continues to bring cloudy skies and a high chance of rain particularly over western Luzon, including provinces like Bataan and Zambales. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon are expected to experience hot weather with chances of thunderstorms from afternoon until evening.
In Palawan, cloudy skies with scattered rains are anticipated due to the influence of the monsoon. The Visayas region will likely have hot weather with a high chance of evening thunderstorms, while Mindanao may experience isolated rain showers from afternoon to evening.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments as conditions may change depending on the tropical depression’s path and strength.
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