According to storm and low pressure news from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), both tropical depressions being monitored are already outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The first low pressure area, monitored by PAGASA with the symbol LPA 08i, was located about 555km northeast of Itbayat, Batanes at 8:00 AM on August 29 (Philippines time). The possibility of this system strengthening into a storm in the next 24 hours has been lowered to a low level.
Meanwhile, the second low pressure area named LPA 08j is located about 1,505km east of the northernmost part of Luzon Island, outside PAR.
According to forecasts, low pressure LPA 08j will enter PAR on August 29 and is likely to strengthen into a storm on August 30 or 31. When it becomes a storm in the Philippine monitoring area, this system will be named Pilandok.
Forecasts show that the system is likely to move towards the Ryukyu Islands of Japan or Taiwan (China). Therefore, according to current assessments, this system is not predicted to make landfall or directly affect the Philippines.
However, the circulation of the system may strengthen the southwest monsoon Hahagat, making the weather in western Luzon worse.
During the weekend, heavy to very heavy rain is forecast to occur in the Ilocos, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac and Pampanga regions, with rainfall of about 100-200mm.
Areas including Metro Manila, the rest of Cordillera region, Nueva Vizcaya, most of Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Mindoro provinces may record moderate to heavy rain, with rainfall of about 50-100mm.
The weather agency warns of the risk of widespread flooding and landslides, especially in areas with terrain prone to natural disasters.
People are advised to proactively follow weather forecasts, prepare response plans and comply with local government instructions.
Forecasts on the direction and intensity of the systems may still change, so it is necessary to continue to update the latest information from the meteorological agency.
