Manila: The low-pressure area east of Southern Luzon has intensified into a tropical depression and is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday afternoon or evening. Once it crosses into the area, it will be designated as “Opong,” as stated by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
According to Philippines News Agency, the tropical depression is currently exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour. It was last recorded 1,075 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 10 a.m. on the previous day. Despite its proximity, the depression is not anticipated to impact the country’s weather and sea conditions within the next 36 hours.
PAGASA has indicated that Wind Signal No. 1 could potentially be raised over Eastern Visayas by Wednesday. Additionally, heavy rains associated with Opong might commence on Thursday. By then, Opong could escalate into a tropical storm. The system is projected to generally follow a west-northwestward path as it nears the Eastern Visayas-Southern Luzon region by Friday.
The forecast suggests that Opong will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday night. However, PAGASA has emphasized the significant uncertainty in the forecast, noting that the cyclone’s track might still alter.
