Ambo brings relief to scorched Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Rains from Tropical Depression Ambo will slightly bring down temperatures in Metro Manila this weekend, according to the state weather bureau.

Ambo, the country’s first tropical cyclone this year, is expected to cross Southern and Central Luzon later this week, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

“Based on its current track, it is expected to cross Bicol between afternoon or evening of May 14 and early morning of May 15,” according to Chris Perez, PAGASA weather forecaster.

Perez said Ambo is expected to intensify into a tropical storm before hitting landmass.

Tropical cyclone wind signals are expected to be raised over Eastern Visayas areas beginning today, PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio added.

Ambo, the country’s first tropical cyclone this year, was spotted at 340 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as of 5:00 p.m. yesterday.

It packed winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

The weather disturbance was “almost stationary” as of yesterday afternoon, PAGASA said.

The trough or extension of the cyclone was expected to bring light to moderate with isolated heavy rains and thunderstorms over Caraga and Davao regions in the next 24 hours.

Metro Manila, which has been experiencing scorching weather in the past days, could also feel the impact of Ambo.

“In the coming days, it’s not just parts of Bicol which will be affected but parts of Southern and Central Luzon, and Metro Manila as well,” Perez said, noting that Ambo’s diameter could reach around 300 kilometers.

“Between Friday and Saturday, it will cross Central Luzon… Within this period, Luzon will be affected, including Metro Manila,” he added.

One or two cyclones were predicted to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this month.