Monsoon rains to persist as Tropical Depression Egay, LPA enhance habagat

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:47 p.m.)  — Tropical Depression Egay and the shallow low pressure area off the waters of Ilocos Norte will enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, which continues to affect parts of Luzon and Visayas. 

In a bulletin issued at 11 a.m., state weather bureau PAGASA said ‘Egay’ was last spotted 760 km east of Casiguran, Aurora. 

It packs maximum winds of 55 kph and gusts of 65 kph. The tropical depression is moving northwest at 20 kph.

There are no areas under tropical cyclone warning signals.

Based on its latest forecast track, ‘Egay’ will not hit any part of the Philippine landmass and will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

PAGASA is also monitoring a low pressure area over the West Philippine Sea. It is unlikely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility but may develop into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours. 

Both ‘Egay’ and the LPA will enhance the southwest monsoon.

Residents of Metro Manila, MIMAROPA, Bicol region, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Antique and Aklan will experience light to moderate with at times heavy monsoon rains.

Cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected over the rest of Luzon and Visayas. 

Forecast positions

Monday morning: 360 km east southeast of Basco, Batanes

Tuesday morning: 300 km north northwest of Basco, Batanes

Wednesday morning: 640 km north northwest of Basco, Batanes 

— Gaea Katreena Cabico