Almost stationary ‘Karding’ slightly gains strength

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Karding has slightly intensified while moving almost stationary over the Philippine Sea, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday.

“Karding” now has maximum sustained winds of 60 kilometers per hour near the center from the previous 55 kilometers per hour.

It also packs gustiness of up to 75 kilometers per hour from the previous 65 kilometers per hour.

Tropical Depression Karding was last spotted 1,135 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.

No tropical cyclone warning signal has been raised due to “Karding,” which is not expected to hit any part of the country.

PAGASA is also monitoring a low pressure area over the West Philippine Sea.

The tropical depression and the LPA may boost the southwest monsoon, which will bring scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains over Northern Luzon and Central Luzon, especially over the western section, starting Friday.

Sea travel remains risky over the western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, the state weather bureau warned.

Forecast positions

Thursday morning: 1,235 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes

Friday morning: 1,255 kilometers east northeast of Basco, Batanes

Saturday morning: 1,170 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes (Outside of PAR)

Sunday morning: 1,190 kilometers north northeast of Basco, Batanes (Outside of PAR)

— Gaea Katreena Cabico