MANILA – A weather disturbance that formed east of southeastern Mindanao has developed into a tropical depression, but forecasters said it has only a minimal chance of entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
According to PAGASA, the tropical depression was spotted around 2,965 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao as of 3 a.m. Friday. The system was moving slowly toward the northwest, carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 55 kph.
Weather specialist Obet Badrina said the cyclone is not expected to directly affect the country. Instead, it is forecast to weaken into a low pressure area and eventually dissipate over the next several days.
While the tropical depression remains far from Philippine territory, the southwest monsoon will continue to influence weather conditions in parts of Northern Luzon. Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra may experience isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
Elsewhere, including Metro Manila, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected, with isolated thunderstorms developing due to localized atmospheric conditions.
PAGASA also said light to moderate southeast to southwest winds will prevail across the country, while coastal waters will remain slight to moderate.
elamigo/xf
