Philippines on Alert for Thunderstorms as Tropical Depression Monitored Outside PAR

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is projected to bring thunderstorms over Visayas and Mindanao in the next 24 hours, while a tropical depression is being monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state weather bureau said on Wednesday. Scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected over Visayas, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, and Zamboanga Peninsula, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 4:00 p.m. weather advisory. These conditions are likewise expected over the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Davao Oriental. The rest of Mindanao is projected to experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. PAGASA warned of possible flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorms and occasional heavy rains in the affected areas. Meanwhile, a tropical depression is still being monitored outside the PAR, located 2,925 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, PAGASA said in its 5:00 p.m. press briefing. The weather disturbance maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph. Although it is expected to develop into a tropical storm, it is no longer expected to enter the PAR or directly affect the country. — Edg Adrian A. Eva