‘Egay’ weakens, rains expected in Luzon, Western Visayas

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical depression Egay has slightly weakened as it continued to move towards Batanes, the state weather bureau said Monday.

Storm signal no. 1 remains over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Pagasa weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said Egay is likely to weaken into a low pressure area before it reaches Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands within 24 hours.

Fishermen and crew members of small vessels are advised against sailing in the waters of affected areas.

“Egay” was last spotted 195 kilometers east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 60 kph.

It was moving northwest at 40 kph.

Light to moderate with at times heavy monsoon rains are expected in Metro Manila, Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol region, Antique, Aklan, and western Iloilo due to the southwest monsoon.

The rest of Luzon and Western Visayas will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

Meantime, a low pressure area was likewise spotted 575 kilometers west of northern Luzon.

It is, however, not expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)