Typhoon Saudel and Tropical Depressions Trigger Heavy Rains Across East Asia

Heavy rains are expected to persist across Luzon and Western Visayas in the Philippines as the southwest monsoon, known as habagat, intensifies. The state weather bureau PAGASA reports that Severe Tropical Storm Saudel, currently located east of Northern Luzon, is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday. While Saudel may not bring direct rainfall to the country, it is expected to pull in and strengthen the monsoon, leading to heavy rains in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon by Monday or Tuesday. Additionally, a tropical depression located east of Eastern Visayas is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday evening, though meteorologists believe it will recurve northeastward and dissipate due to interaction with Saudel.

Simultaneously, Taiwan is experiencing torrential rain caused by Tropical Depression TD22. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported significant rainfall in southern Taiwan, with Pingtung County recording the highest accumulated rainfall at 281mm. The CWA activated enhanced operations for severe rainfall, noting that the most intense rain is expected through early Tuesday. While the Japan Meteorological Agency upgraded the system to Typhoon Gaenari, the CWA continues to classify it as a tropical depression due to weak circulation. The CWA also noted that Typhoon Saudel is located approximately 2,600km east of Taiwan and could bring increased rainfall to northern Taiwan by Friday and Saturday.