On August 3, according to the latest weather forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Dolphin is unlikely to make landfall or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), but the typhoon's circulation may still make the southwest monsoon (Habagat) more active, leading to heavy rain in many areas at the weekend.
Deputy Director of PAGASA Weather Service Chris Perez said that the possibility of Typhoon Dolphin directly affecting the Philippines is currently quite low.
According to Mr. Perez, even if it does not enter PAR, Hurricane Dolphin can still affect the weather in the region if it continues to move towards eastern Japan and then towards southeastern China. This trajectory is forecast to contribute to strengthening the southwest monsoon, increasing rain in the weekend days.
PAGASA said Dolphin has weakened from super typhoon to typhoon and is expected to maintain this intensity in the near future. As of 1:00 PM on August 3, the eye of the typhoon is located about 2,670km northeast of the northernmost point of Luzon Island, with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h and gusts up to 190 km/h.
Meanwhile, at 2 pm on the same day, PAGASA confirmed that tropical depression Luis had entered PAR and continued to be closely monitored. Hurricane Dolphin, although still outside PAR, is also being monitored in the Tropical Depression Information Zone (TCID).
According to forecasts, tropical depression Luis will continue to cause rain in the next 24-36 hours, increasing the risk of flooding in many low-lying areas.
Previously, PAGASA also predicted that Luis could strengthen into a tropical storm in a short time before weakening and likely being absorbed by the circulation of Hurricane Dolphin in the coming days.
PAGASA recommends that people continue to closely monitor official weather reports, especially in areas at risk of flooding, flash floods and landslides, and proactively implement natural disaster prevention measures when heavy rain lasts.
