Habagat to bring more rains – PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — Despite Tropical Depression Dindo now inside the Philippine area of responsibility, there is no tropical cyclone wind signal in effect over the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

However, Dindo is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon (habagat) and bring rains over most of the country, along with a tropical storm with international name Sinlaku. PAGASA said Dindo, which was spotted 500 kilometers outside of Basco, Batanes yesterday afternoon, would have no direct impact on the country.

It will remain far from the Philippine landmass throughout the forecast period as it moves northwest at about 15 kilometers per hour.

As of 2 p.m. yesterday, Sinlaku was at 1,180 kilometers west of northern Luzon.

PAGASA said Dindo could develop into a tropical storm by 2 p.m. today.

It is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday morning and could likely intensify into a severe tropical storm and make landfall in China by Tuesday.

Still, PAGASA advised local disaster risk reduction and management offices to monitor advisories and take appropriate measures.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon would continue to bring rains throughout the country today.

Occasional rains, light to moderate and at times heavy, will be experienced over Luzon, Western Visayas, CARAGA, Northern Mindanao and Davao region.

PAGASA warned of flooding and rain-induced landslides in hazard areas during heavy or prolonged rainfall.