WEATHER UPDATE
Tropical depression outside PAR intensifies into Tropical Storm ‘Sepat’
The Low Pressure Area (LPA) that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been monitoring outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has intensified into a Tropical Storm. This weather disturbance has been given the international name “Sepat.”
As of the 8:00 AM update from PAGASA, the Tropical Storm “Sepat” was located 2,380 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon. It is currently moving northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour and is not anticipated to enter the PAR or directly affect any part of the country in the coming days, according to PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” continues to be the dominant weather system affecting parts of the country. It will bring cloudy skies and increased chances of rain over western Luzon and the southern portion of Mindanao.
PAGASA reports that no gale warnings are currently in effect for any of the country’s coastal waters, with sea conditions generally light to moderate. However, Villamil cautioned that thunderstorm activity associated with the habagat could lead to sudden gusts of wind and slight increases in wave height, particularly along the western seaboard. “The public is advised to exercise caution, especially those planning sea travel, as thunderstorms may bring sudden strong winds and rougher seas,” Villamil warned.
Looking ahead, scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected to continue bringing wet conditions over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas from Tuesday to Wednesday, June 24 to 25. Monsoon rains over Mindanao are forecast to ease slightly during this period. By Thursday and Friday, June 26 to 27, improving weather is anticipated over Western Visayas. However, rains will persist over the western parts of Luzon, including Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and the western portion of Mimaropa. The rest of the country can expect fair weather during this forecast period, with only isolated rain showers or thunderstorms likely in the afternoon or evening.
