'Pilandok' slightly intensifies over Philippine Sea, may become storm

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Pilandok slightly intensified early Monday while remaining almost stationary over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

As of 4 a.m. Aug. 31, Pilandok was 1,130 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gusts of up to 70 kph.

Strong winds extended up to 450 kilometers from its center. No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal was in effect.

PAGASA said Pilandok may briefly intensify into a tropical storm by Tuesday afternoon before weakening back into a tropical depression by Wednesday morning.

The cyclone is forecast to move generally north-northwestward and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

It is unlikely to make landfall and is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass.

PAGASA is also monitoring two tropical depressions outside PAR northwest of the Philippines.

Weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the tropical cyclones are enhancing the southwest monsoon, or habagat, which continues to bring rain to Luzon and the western section of the Visayas.

"Kaya makakaasa pa rin tayo ngayong araw ng maulan na panahon lalo na sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon, kasama ang Metro Manila," Aurelio said.

("So we can still expect rainy weather today, especially across a large part of Luzon, including Metro Manila.")

Forecast. Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga may experience monsoon rains, with possible flash floods or landslides due to heavy to intense rainfall, PAGASA said Monday.

Metro Manila, Calabarzon and several other areas may experience scattered rain and thunderstorms due to the habagat, with possible flash floods or landslides from moderate to at times heavy rain.

PAGASA also warned that the habagat may bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of the country Monday, particularly in exposed coastal and upland areas.