MANILA — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Saturday that two low-pressure areas within the Philippine Area of Responsibility have intensified into tropical depressions, now named Butchoy and Carina. These developments mark a significant uptick in weather activity affecting various regions across the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, as of 3 a.m. on Saturday, Tropical Depression Butchoy was located approximately 615 kilometers west of Tanauan City, Batangas, or 525 kilometers west of Subic Bay, moving west-northwest at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. It exhibits maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour. Concurrently, Tropical Depression Carina was tracked 645 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, moving northwest at 30 kilometers per hour, with similar wind speeds and gustiness as Butchoy.
No storm warning signals have been issued for these tropical depressions yet, but their presence influences the southwest monsoon, known locally as "habagat," which is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms across several provinces including Antique, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Zambales, and Bataan. PAGASA warns of potential flash floods or landslides in these areas during moderate to heavy rains.
Additionally, the habagat will affect weather conditions in Mindanao, the rest of the Visayas, and Mimaropa, causing similar adverse weather phenomena. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon are forecasted to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, also influenced by the southwest monsoon or localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA advises that the Visayas, Mindanao, and the western sections of Luzon will experience moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas, while the rest of Luzon should expect light to moderate winds and slight to moderate coastal waters.
Temperature forecasts across major cities include a range of 26°C to 31°C for Metro Manila, 18°C to 25°C for Baguio City, and 25°C to 30°C for Metro Cebu, among others. Residents in these areas are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and heed any advisories issued by local authorities.