‘Nimfa’ may exit PAR on Saturday

MANILA, Philippines — The almost stationary Tropical Depression Nimfa continues to boost the southwest monsoon, which will dump rains over vast swaths of Luzon and some parts of Visayas.

“Nimfa” was last spotted 685 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour and gusts of up to 70 kph.

No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal has been raised yet but state weather bureau PAGASA said it is not ruling out the possibility that “Nimfa” may develop into a tropical storm in the coming days.

“Nimfa” may leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.

The tropical depression is enhancing the southwest monsoon, which will bring frequent light to moderate with occasional heavy rains over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, northern portions of Palawan (including Calamian and Cuyo islands), Aklan, Antique, Iloilo and Guimaras until Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, those living in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Apayao and the rest of Luzon and MIMAROPA will have occasional light to moderate rains with intermittent heavy rainshowers during thunderstorms.

Scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms are expected over the rest of Luzon and Western Visayas.

Weather forecasters warned that sea travel is risky over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon due to potentially rough to very rough sea conditions.

Meanwhile, the low pressure area over Central Luzon was last seen in the vicinity of Mayantoc, Tarlac. The LPA is expected to merge with the trough or extension of “Nimfa” within 48 hours.

Forecast positions

• Thursday morning: 600 km east northeast of Basco, Batanes
• Friday morning: 505 km east northeast of Basco, Batanes
• Saturday morning: 580 km northeast of Basco, Batanes
• Sunday morning: 1,120 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes (outside PAR)

— Gaea Katreena Cabico