MANILA, July 2 (PNA) — Tropical depression “Egay” gained strength and speed while moving northwest over the Philippine Sea toward extreme Luzon on Thursday afternoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Samuel Duran said that as of 4 p.m., TD “Egay” was located at 480 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes (14.3N, 128.7E). Its wind strength increased to 55 kilometers per hour (kph) from 45 kph near the center while its speed more than doubled from 5 kph to 13 kph.
Duran said the tropical depression has slim chance to make landfall and also is not directly affecting the country, thus no public storm warning signal has been raised.
However, Duran noted that once “Egay” approaches extreme Northern Luzon, it will enhance the southwest monsoon that will induce rains in most parts of the country.
He added that the presence of the tropical depression will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over the Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bicol Region, and the provinces of Mindoro and Palawan in the next 24 hours.
The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, Duran said the weather bureau also continues monitoring the tropical storm with international name “Chan-Hom” and the other low-pressure area (LPA) outside the PAR.
“Hindi magpapang-abot si Egay at yung tropical storm na nasa labas ng PAR, pero may possibility to enhance the habagat,” he explained.
He said that either the tropical storm or LPA will enter the country next week but will not have direct affect except enhancing the southwest monsoon that will bring rains in the country.
In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail throughout the archipelago with moderate to rough seas. (PNA)