Tropical depression may enter Philippines tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines - The state weather bureau spotted yesterday a tropical depression over the Pacific Ocean that is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility tomorrow.

Chris Perez, weather forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said the tropical depression was not expected to hit any part of the country.

Perez said like past cyclones that entered the country, the tropical depression is likely to veer north toward Japan after entering the Philippine area of responsibility.

Perez said there was a trough, a sort of canal, north of the tropical depression where it could pass through.

As of yesterday morning, the tropical depression was located some 2,400 kilometers east of Luzon, packing winds of 55 kilometers per hour, Perez said.

It was moving west-northwest slowly at seven kph.

The approaching cyclone will be locally named Jenny once inside the Philippine area of responsibility.

Perez said if ever the cyclone moves closer to the Philippines and enhances the southwest monsoon, rains might only be experienced in Mindanao.