Low Pressure Area Develops into Tropical Depression Pilandok

A low pressure area within the Philippine Area of Responsibility developed into Tropical Depression Pilandok on Sunday morning. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the system was located 1,225 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon. It is moving west northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 55 kilometers per hour.

Pagasa stated that Pilandok is less likely to make landfall and will remain far from the Philippine landmass. The weather bureau forecasts that the system will be short lived and will weaken into a remnant low over the Philippine Sea south of Japan by Tuesday, September 1.

While the tropical depression remains distant, it is expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon, also known as habagat. This enhanced monsoon is forecast to bring heavy to intense rain to several regions, including Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. Residents in these areas are warned to watch for flash floods and landslides. Strong to gale force gusts are also expected across most of Luzon and Visayas, as well as parts of Mindanao.

Additionally, Pagasa has been monitoring Tropical Depression Saudel, formerly known as Obet. While one report noted it was moving southwestward at 25 kilometers per hour, another report stated that Saudel has weakened into a low pressure area with a medium chance of redeveloping.