PAGASA-DOST
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression “Quiel” may intensify into a tropical storm in the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported Tuesday afternoon.
In its 4 p.m. advisory, the state weather bureau said Quiel was spotted 540 kilometers west southwest of Iba town in Zambales.
It slightly intensified with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 70 kph as it moves eastward.
While Quiel is expected to develop into a tropical storm, it is “less likely” to make landfall in any part of the country.
Pagasa said Quiel and the frontal system will bring moderate to occasional heavy rains over Northern Luzon, Zambales, Bataan, Palawan, and Mindoro provinces.
Scattered rain showers are also expected over Caraga and Davao region due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
Meanwhile, Pagasa is also monitoring a typhoon outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Typhoon “Halong” was spotted 3,065 east of extreme Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph and gustiness of 230 kph.
It is not expected to enter PAR. /je