Pagasa spots looming tropical depression as ‘Dodong’ exits

MANILA, Philippines – A potential tropical depression has been spotted even as Tropical Depression ‘Dodong’ continues to move out of the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) at noon Wednesday.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather specialist Benison Estareja said the potential new weather disturbance was last spotted 1,735 kilometers east of the country and may enter the PAR on Friday or Saturday.

He said the state weather agency is not discounting the possibility that it will strengthen into a tropical depression.

“Dodong”, meanwhile was last spotted 705 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, while moving at 15 kilometers per hour north northeast.

It is expected to be out of PAR within the day.

“Dodong” packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gusts of up to 60 kph.

It has no direct impact over the country but it will enhance the southwest monsoon.

Light to moderate with occasional heavy monsoon rains may affect the Mimaropa region (northern Palawan, Mindoro provinces, Romblon and Marinduque), Western Visayas (Aklan, Antique, western Iloilo, Guimaras and Negros Occidental), and Bicol region (Masbate and western sections of Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon) on Wednesday.

By Thursday, light to moderate with occasional heavy monsoon rains may prevail over Metro Manila and the western parts of Central Luzon (Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga and Bulacan), Mimaropa (Mindoro provinces) and Western Visayas (Antique and western Aklan).

Rain showers are expected to prevail until the weekend. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)