Tropical depression "Isang" slightly intensified but is still not expected to enhance the impact of the southwest monsoon or 'habagat," said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, Aug. 20.
The center of Isang was estimated at 975 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon as of 10 a.m.
It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph while moving west at 20 kph.
It may further intensify into a tropical storm on Saturday, Aug. 21, but may again weaken into a tropical depression after crossing the Ryukyu Islands and the East China Sea, PAGASA said.
It added that Isang will remain far from the Philippine landmass throughout the forecast period and will have no direct effect on the country's weather.
It may not also trigger the enhancement of the southwest monsoon.
Based on its forecast track, Isang may move northwest until Saturday morning, then turn north-northwest Saturday afternoon, while on its way outside the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday morning or afternoon, Aug. 22.
The easterlies or the warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean remain the dominant weather system that may bring partly cloudy to cloudy conditions across the country in the next 24 hours.
However, there is a high chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA warned the public against flash floods or landslides that may occur during severe thunderstorms, which are often associated with short-lived heavy rain, lightning, thunder, gusty winds, and sometimes hail.