Tropical cyclone forms northeast of PH, no immediate threat

A tropical depression near Extreme Northern Luzon developed into a tropical cyclone at 2 pm on Friday, August 1, but is not expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility soon.

Weather specialist Benison Estareja from PAGASA stated that the tropical depression is moving northeast and has a small chance of affecting the country, with its cloud clusters well outside Philippine boundaries.

PAGASA forecasts scattered rain and thunderstorms in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands until early Saturday due to the weakening southwest monsoon.

Most parts of central and southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, can expect fair weather with clear skies from morning to afternoon, while cloudy conditions are more likely in mountainous areas of northern Luzon.

The tropical depression is not enhancing the southwest monsoon or affecting any part of the Philippines directly, according to PAGASA.