MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Emong continues to weaken as it moves farther away from the country. However, heavy rains are still expected this weekend due to the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” local meteorologists have warned.
The Philippine weather agency shared in its Friday evening update that Emong was last tracked about 260 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. The storm carried maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center, with gusts reaching up to 90 kph. It was moving northeast at 35 kph.
Earlier reports showed Emong had stronger winds of 85 kph and gusts up to 105 kph before it started to weaken.
Heavy Rains from Southwest Monsoon
Weather specialist Grace Castañeda explained that even as Tropical Storm Emong exits the Philippine area of responsibility, the southwest monsoon will continue to bring heavy rains to several regions.
“Because of the habagat, strong rains are still possible in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, including Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, at sa Occidental Mindoro. Tomorrow we will still experience rains brought by the southwest monsoon,” she said.
She added, “By tomorrow, Tropical Storm Emong would no longer affect any part of the country, but the southwest monsoon will still bring moderate to strong rains, including areas like Zambales and Bataan. From Sunday evening to Monday evening, we expect rains over Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan.”
At present, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect over Batanes.
Tropical Storm Krosa’s Influence
Meanwhile, another storm named Krosa lies about 2,350 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, outside the Philippine area of responsibility. Although it is not expected to directly impact the country’s weather, it might intensify the southwest monsoon and trigger additional rains.
“We don’t see it entering our area of responsibility, but it may contribute to strengthening the southwest monsoon early next week,” Castañeda noted.
Rough Sea Conditions Persist
Despite Emong’s weakening, a gale warning is still raised for the entire northern Luzon seaboard. Waves could reach as high as 5.5 meters along the coasts of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northern Cagayan. Other areas like the rest of Cagayan and Isabela may experience waves up to 4.5 meters.
Residents and travelers are advised to remain cautious and monitor updates from local authorities.
For more news and updates on Tropical Storm Emong and the habagat, visit Filipinokami.com.
