Tropical depression "Auring" has slightly intensified on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 17, as it continues to move closer to the country.
In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said tropical depression Auring has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
Its location was estimated at 700 kilometers (km) east-southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur around 3 p.m., and was moving west-northwest at 15 kph.
If it maintains its current speed and direction, PAGASA on Wednesday morning said the weather disturbance may make landfall over Caraga region between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, Feb. 20-21.
It has no direct effect yet over the country as of Wednesday, but Auring's initial impact will likely be felt by Friday, Feb. 19.
The tail-end of the frontal system, which is the convergence of cold air from the northeast monsoon and warm air from the easterlies, will continue to bring moderate to at times heavy rains over Bicol region, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Visayas.
The northeast monsoon or "amihan" may also bring light rains over Aurora, Quezon, and Cagayan Valley, while isolated light amihan rains may prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.
Meanwhile, isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms may affect the rest of the country.