Manila: The low-pressure area east of Aurora province has evolved into a tropical depression (TD) on Tuesday afternoon and has been named "Dante." The tropical depression exhibits maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 55 kph.
According to Philippines News Agency, as of 4 p.m., Dante was positioned 1,115 km east-northeast of Central Luzon or 1,130 km east of Northern Luzon, moving in a north-northwestward direction at 20 kph. While no tropical cyclone wind signal is raised in any part of the country, Dante is intensifying the southwest monsoon, locally known as 'habagat.' This phenomenon is anticipated to bring strong to gale-force gusts across areas like Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Visayas, and the Dinagat Islands.
The enhanced habagat is expected to result in monsoon rains over Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan. Occasional rains are forecast for the rest of the Ilocos Region, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, the remainder of Mimaropa, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.
Moderate to heavy rains in these regions could potentially lead to flash floods or landslides, as stated by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Other parts of the country will continue to experience scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the effects of the habagat.
In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, PAGASA weather services chief Chris Perez indicated that the regions which have faced heavy rains in the previous three days are likely to encounter similar conditions in the coming two to three days. He emphasized the significance of remaining vigilant against potential flooding, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas, and advised coordination with local government units and disaster management officials for preparedness and mitigation strategies.
The persistent rains may also trigger landslides, Perez warned. PAGASA has also forecasted rough sea conditions over the seaboards of Batanes and Kalayaan Islands, as well as the western seaboards of Zambales, Bataan, Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, and Calamian Islands. Mariners, especially those operating small seacraft and motorboats, are advised against venturing out to sea.
There is a possibility that TD Dante could intensify into a tropical storm by Wednesday and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday or Friday.
