Rainy weather continues to persist as ‘Domeng’ may intensify habagat

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Domeng is expected to spare the Philippines but it could boost “habagat” or southwest monsoon, which will trigger rains in western parts of the country, state weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday.

Moderate to occasional heavy rains over Bicol region and the Western sections of Mimaropa and Visayas regions are expected today due to the combined effects of the tropical depression and the monsoon trough.

The southwest monsoon—which could be enhanced by “Domeng”—will also bring moderate to heavy monsoon rains over Western Visayas and the western sections of Calabargon and Mimaropa starting Friday.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of “Domeng” was spotted at 835 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora.

“Domeng” slightly strengthened as it continued to move in a north-northwest direction at 15 kilometers per hour with maximum winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kilometers per hour.

No tropical cyclone warning signal is still raised.

“Domeng”—which might develop into a tropical storm Friday—was forecast to exit the country Sunday morning. 

The state weather bureau is also monitoring a weather disturbance outside the Philippine area of responsibility.

Tropical Storm Ewiniar, which has brought floods to Hong Kong, was spotted 1,075 kilometers west of Basco, Batanes.

PAGASA, however, said that it is less likely to affect the country.