MANILA(August 31) — A low-pressure area east of the country developed into Tropical Depression Pilandok on Sunday, Aug. 30, and is expected to further enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.
As of 11 a.m., Pilandok was located 1,225 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
It was moving west-northwestward at 15 kph, with strong winds extending up to 420 kilometers from the tropical depression’s center.
No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal was in effect as of press time.
PAGASA said Pilandok is unlikely to make landfall and is forecast to remain far from the Philippine landmass.
The tropical depression is expected to move west-northwestward through Monday before turning northwestward to north-northwestward. It is also forecast to be short-lived, weakening into a remnant low over the Philippine Sea south of Japan by Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Habagat to bring strong winds, rains
Despite posing no direct landfall threat, Pilandok is expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon, potentially bringing heavier rains and strong to gale-force winds to large parts of the country.
PAGASA said strong to gale-force gusts associated with the enhanced habagat may affect:
· Aug. 30: Most of Luzon and Visayas, as well as Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.
· Aug. 31: Most parts of the country.
· Sept. 1: Most of Luzon and Visayas, as well as Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.
The enhanced monsoon comes as several areas remain vulnerable to prolonged rainfall, raising concerns over possible flooding, landslides and other weather-related hazards.
PAGASA advised the public, particularly those in areas covered by the monsoon, to continue monitoring weather advisories and follow warnings issued by local authorities.
