Tropical Storm Jangmi to intensify southwesterly wind flow; rainy weekend in some areas expected, says PAGASA

Tropical Storm Jangmi, locally named Domeng, will intensify the southwesterly wind flow, which will bring rains over large parts of the country this weekend, according to the state weather bureau on Friday.

Tropical Storm Jangmi slightly intensified to 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center, with gustiness of up to 105 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. press advisory.

It was located 1,265 kilometers east of Southern Luzon, moving northwestward at 15 kph.

The storm is not expected to make any direct impact within the next 24 hours, but it may enhance the southwesterly wind flow that will bring rains over many areas of the country this weekend and early next week.

“Its effect and landfall may not be expected, but tomorrow, Saturday, it is expected to enhance the southwesterly wind flow,” PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said during the press advisory in Filipino, adding that the southwest monsoon may be declared by the agency in the coming days.

Among the affected areas due to rains caused by the southwesterly wind flow on Saturday are Palawan and the western sections of Visayas and Mindanao.

“From Sunday to Tuesday, Tropical Storm Domeng is expected to further enhance the southwesterly wind flow, which will bring rains over the western part of the country,” Mr. Badrina said.

Apart from rains, strong to gale-force gusts are also expected in several areas due to the Jangmi-enhanced southwesterly wind flow.

Areas expected to be affected on Saturday include most of Visayas, Batanes, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Marinduque, Masbate, and Albay.

Strong winds are likewise expected in Sorsogon, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

On Sunday, affected areas include most of Visayas, Batanes, Cagayan, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

As for Jangmi’s forecast track and intensity, PAGASA said it is likely to intensify into a typhoon on Saturday while remaining over the Philippine Sea before weakening afterward.

However, it is not expected to make landfall over the country throughout its entire duration and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday.

With recent developments, PAGASA urged the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices to take necessary precautions to protect life and property.

Residents in areas highly or very susceptible to storm-related hazards are also advised to follow evacuation orders and instructions from local officials.

No tropical cyclone wind signal has been hoisted as of this forecast period, PAGASA said.— Edg Adrian A. Eva