Storm 'Dindo' exits, may still induce Habagat rains


Tropical storm "Dindo" (international name: "Hagupit") will likely be outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Monday but may still induce southwest monsoon or "habagat" rains over Luzon.

(PAGASA / MANILA BULLETIN)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of "Dindo" at 410 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes around 3 p.m. with maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 105 kph.

It has no direct effect over the country but continues to enhance the "habagat."

Occasional light to moderate with at times heavy monsoon rains may affect Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales within 24 hours.

Less intense monsoon rains as compared to previous days may affect Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, except during the occurrence of severe thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the cloud cluster that was being monitored east of Mindanao has developed into a low pressure area (LPA) on Sunday afternoon. 

The trough or extension of the LPA may also bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental.

The rest of the country will have generally "fair" weather as it remains partly cloudy to at times cloudy with some rain showers and localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA still warned the public to take extra precautions during heavy or prolonged rainfall as floods and rain-induced landslides may occur especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.

A gale warning remains in effect over the coasts of Northern Luzon and western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon Sunday due to potentially rough to very seas that make sea travel dangerous for small boats. 

Fisherfolk and those using small sea vessels are not yet allowed to set sail over these coasts.

Those venturing out over the other coasts of the country should take extra precautions due to moderate to rough seas.

PAGASA advised the public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned to take appropriate measures and monitor the rainfall or thunderstorm advisories and heavy rainfall warnings issued by PAGASA’s regional services divisions.