Tropical Depression Ester to exit PAR; rains to persist

The southwest monsoon, which was enhanced by Tropical Depression Ester (international name Gaemi), will continue to bring rains over the western section of Northern and Central Luzon today, according to the state weather bureau.

Ester, which entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday night, was forecast to exit the country last night or today.

Obet Badrina, weather specialist at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said monsoon rains would persist over the Babuyan Group of Islands, Ilocos region, the Cordilleras, Pampanga, Zambales and Bataan.

Light to occasionally heavy rains will prevail over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Cagayan Valley and the rest of Central Luzon.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, Ester was spotted 295 kilometers north of Basco, Batanes with maximum winds of 60 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It was forecast to move east northeast at 25 kph.

Badrina said an improvement in the weather condition is expected when Ester exits PAR.

Ester is the second tropical cyclone to enter the country this month.

The southwest monsoon was also enhanced by Tropical Storm Domeng last week and dumped heavy rains in many parts of Luzon in the past several days, forcing the cancellation of classes and work in government offices.