A tropical storm with international name Peilou has been spotted outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but is unlikely to directly affect the country, the state-run weather agency said on Tuesday, August 11.
In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the tropical cyclone has a low chance of entering the PAR as it moves away from the Philippine landmass.
Peilou was last located approximately 3,325 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.
It was moving east-northeastward at 25 kph.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, continues to affect Luzon, although PAGASA expects its effects to gradually weaken.
Rainfall is expected to become more concentrated over the western sections of Luzon on Tuesday, August 11.
PAGASA forecast occasional heavy rains over Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro due to the Habagat.
Metro Manila, the Calabarzon region, several parts of Central Luzon, Benguet, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte may experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers.
The rest of Luzon is expected to see improving weather conditions, with rainfall gradually easing and some areas possibly experiencing periods of sunshine.
Despite the weakening habagat, PAGASA warned of possible significant rainfall over Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.
Residents in these areas were urged to remain vigilant against possible flooding and landslides, particularly as the ground has become saturated from successive days of rainfall.
The weather bureau expects the effects of the Habagat to further weaken by Wednesday, with significant rainfall potentially becoming limited to Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.
However, PAGASA cautioned the public against becoming complacent, as flooding and landslides may still occur.
