LPA Outside PAR Now a Tropical Depression but not Likely to Enter PHL

(PNA) — The low pressure area hovering outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has intensified into tropical depression, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday.

PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said as of 4 a.m. Monday, Tropical Depression “Etau” (international name) remains outside the PAR. Based on all available data, it was spotted 1,795 km east of extreme northern Luzon (21.4°n, 139.2°e) packed with maximum winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move north northwest at 15 kph.

He said the tropical depression has slim chance to enter the country as it is moving upward towards Japan but the agency continues to monitor it.

Once it enters the country, he said it will be named “Jenny” — the first tropical cyclone to enter the country this month and the 10th for this year

PAGASA expects two to four tropical cyclones to visit the country this month.

Meanwhile, Aurelio said the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” will bring cloudy and rainy weather in many parts of the country on Monday.

Aurelio said the southwest monsoon is now affecting Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao. Occasional rains will be experienced over Visayas, Mindanao and the provinces of Mindoro and Palawan.

Aurelio said the rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will continue to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with possible isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

He noted the state weather bureau has not issued a gale warning as fisherfolks are safe to venture out to sea.

In its advisory, PAGSA said light to moderate winds blowing from the west to southwest will prevail over Luzon and coming from the southwest over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate. (PNA) JBP/CLTC