New weather system sighted near PH area

MANILA, Philippines — A tropical depression developed outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Sunday, which may affect northern Luzon in the coming days.

According to a 5 p.m. tropical cyclone advisory, the storm was moving northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour and may enter PAR by Monday, after which it will be given the name Marce.

READ: Leon weakens into storm, exits PAR

Starting on Wednesday, the tropical depression may either move toward extreme northern Luzon or mainland Luzon, or it may recurve after moving closer to the country’s landmass, said weather specialist Veronica Torres in a 4 p.m. public weather forecast.

Forecasters said fair weather conditions are expected on Monday throughout the country, with chances of localized thunderstorms, while Batanes and Babuyan islands would experience isolated light rains according to Torres.

However, the extension or trough of the tropical cyclone may bring rains as early as Tuesday over extreme northern Luzon and the eastern section of Luzon. Torres advised those in the areas of Cagayan Valley, Aurora, and Quezon to take caution as the tropical depression moves closer to the country.