Tropical depression "Fabian" will likely intensify into a tropical storm in the next 24 hours, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday evening, July 16, said.

As of 10 p.m., tropical depression Fabian was estimated at 1,395 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon and has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

PAGASA said that Fabian may become a tropical storm within 24 hours. A tropical storm has a maximum wind speed of 62 to 88 kph.

It noted that Fabian is still unlikely to directly affect the country's weather condition but its passage may enhance the southwest monsoon or "habagat" that could bring monsoon rains over Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental by Sunday, July 18.

Those living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to flooding or landslides are advised to follow evacuation procedures and other instructions from local officials.

"On the forecast track, Fabian will remain far from the Philippine landmass throughout the forecast period. The tropical depression is forecast to move north-northeastward or northward until Sunday morning," PAGASA said.

However, it said that there is a possibility that Fabian may briefly leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday, July 17, then re-enter the PAR by Sunday morning.

"Fabian may exit the PAR, through the northern boundary, on Monday evening as it begins to turn more westward and move towards the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands," PAGASA said.

"However, due to the proximity of this portion of the forecast track to the northern boundary of the PAR, there is a possibility that the tropical cyclone may still be inside the PAR beyond Monday," it added.