Tropical depression may enter PAR; strengthen Habagat

Another tropical depression may briefly enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and enhance the prevailing Southwest Monsoon should it merge with the cyclone Krovanh (formerly “Pilandok”), according to the state weather bureau on Friday.

In its 5:00 pm weather forecast, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Loriedin De La Cruz-Galicia said that they are monitoring a tropical depression outside the PAR.

“Hindi natin rinu-rule out ang tsansa na ito ay panandaliang pumasok ng ating area of responsibility,” De La Cruz-Galicia said.

(We are not ruling out the chance that it may briefly enter our area of responsibility.)

The tropical depression is around 1,700 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h.

Should it enter the PAR, the tropical depression will be named “Queenie”. The cyclone will likely remain on the boundary of the PAR and not directly affect the country’s landmass.

However, Cruz-Galicia said that with its current path north-northeastward, the tropical depression may merge with Krovanh.

The joint effects of the new tropical depression and Krovanh may enhance the Southwest Monsoon, strengthening the rains in the coming days.

In its 4:00 pm weather bulletin, PAGASA said that Zambales and Bataan are set to experience continuous Southwest Monsoon rains.

Metro Manila, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro will also experience occasional rains caused by the monsoon.

Meanwhile, cloudy skies with scattered rains will prevail over the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, the rest of Central Luzon, the rest of CALABARZON, the rest of MIMAROPA, Antique, Iloilo, and Guimaras, which are also caused by the Southwest Monsoon.

All the areas affected by rains are warned of possible floods and landslides.

PAGASA had issued a heavy rainfall warning over the following areas as of 5:00 pm:

Orange Rainfall Warning (Flooding is threatening)

Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan (Angat, Balagtas, Baliuag, Bocaue, Bulakan, Bustos, Calumpit, Malolos, Meycauayan, San Jose del Monte, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Marilao, Obando, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, Pulilan, Santa Maria, San Rafael) and Tarlac (San Jose, Capas, Bamban).

Yellow Warning Level (Possible flooding)

Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan (Angat, Balagtas, Baliuag, Bocaue, Bulakan, Bustos, Calumpit, Malolos, Meycauayan, San Jose del Monte, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Marilao, Obando, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, Pulilan, Santa Maria, San Rafael) and Tarlac (San Jose, Capas, Bamban)

–NB, GMA News