Pagasa: 2 LPAs off Batangas, Catandauanes now TDs Butchoy, Carina

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) says the two low pressure areas (LPAs) inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) developed into Tropical Depression Butchoy and Carina on Friday night (July 19, 2024). GRAPHICS BY INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — The two low pressure areas (LPAs) inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) developed into tropical depressions on Friday night, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

In a bulletin issued at 11 p.m. on July 19, the state weather agency said Tropical Depression Butchoy was last spotted 535 kilometers west of Tanauan City, Batangas, while Tropical Depression Carina was last located 780 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes.

Pagasa said Butchoy was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center with gustiness of up to 70 kph, while Carina was carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kph with gustiness of up to 55 kph.

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Butchoy is “unlikely to directly affect the country within the next three days,” according to Pagasa.

Carina “will generally have a mainly offshore path over the next five days and remain far from the Philippine landmass,” it added.

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While both may not hit land, the two weather systems are expected to intensify over the weekend.

Pagasa said Butchoy may develop into a tropical storm category on Saturday although it will leave PAR on the same day.

Pagasa also said Carina is seen to slowly intensify and become tropical storm by Sunday and further strengthen to reach the typhoon category on Tuesday, July 23.