The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the tropical depression spotted outside the country’s area of responsibility may not have a direct effect on the country in the coming days.
As of 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, the tropical depression was located around 1,565 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, and is moving south-southwest at 10 kph.
It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
PAGASA weather specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda said there could be two scenarios regarding the tropical depression.
“Una, posible pumasok within the next 24 to 48 hours, ngunit hindi inaasahan na magkakaroon ng direktang epekto sa bansa. Pangalawa, kikilos lamang pa-northward at hindi papasok sa ating area of responsibility (First, the cyclone is possible to enter within the next 24 to 48 hours but it is not expected to have a direct impact on the country. Second, it will only move northward and will not enter our area of responsibility),” Clauren-Jorda said in the PAGASA’s live weather forecast.
If it enters the Philippine area of responsibility, the tropical cyclone will be named “Inday.”
“Sa dalawang scenario, wala tayong nakikitang landfall scenario at wala ring magdudulot ng direktang epekto (Of the two scenarios, we do not see a landfall scenario and neither will cause a direct impact),” she added.
In the next 24 hours, Clauren-Jorda said the southwest monsoon or “habagat” will continue to affect parts of the country.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms may prevail over Zambales, Bataan, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
PAGASA warned of moderate to, at times, heavy rains as it may trigger flash or landslides in these areas.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the habagat and localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA advised the public to stay vigilant as flash floods or landslides may occur during severe thunderstorms, which are often accompanied by sudden heavy rains, lightning, thunder, gusty winds, and sometimes hail.