Tropical Depression Pilandok maintained its strength as it continued to meander over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 11 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin on Monday, August 31, PAGASA said the center of Pilandok was estimated at 1,160 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, or at 21.1°N, 133.1°E.

Pilandok has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center, with gustiness of up to 70 kph and a central pressure of 1,000 hPa.

The tropical depression was moving almost stationary, with strong winds extending outward up to 450 kilometers from its center.

As of 11 a.m., no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) is in effect over any part of the country.

PAGASA said Pilandok is expected to move generally northwestward slowly to almost stationary over the next 36 hours before shifting generally north-northwestward for the remainder of the forecast period.

The weather agency said Pilandok is less likely to make landfall over the country and is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass. It is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday afternoon or evening, September 2.

However, PAGASA warned that the tropical cyclone's track remains highly uncertain and may still shift in succeeding bulletins.

May intensify into tropical storm

Pilandok is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by Tuesday, September 1, before weakening back into a tropical depression by Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continues to bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of the country.

PAGASA said severe winds are expected over most of the country on Monday, while most of Luzon and Visayas, along with several areas in Mindanao, may experience strong to gale-force gusts from September 1 to 2.

The agency also warned of dangerous sea conditions, with waves reaching up to 4.5 meters along the western seaboard of the Babuyan Islands.

Sea travel is considered risky for all types of vessels in affected waters, and mariners are advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside.

PAGASA said the public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices should continue to take necessary precautions against possible hazards from heavy rains and strong winds.