LPA off Luzon now Tropical Depression Domeng

A low-pressure area monitored off Northern Luzon on Wednesday developed into a tropical depression yesterday and was named Domeng.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the weather disturbance is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat and bring rain over parts of Luzon today.

Domeng was estimated at around 930 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon as of 4 p.m. yesterday.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

PAGASA said monsoon rains are forecast over Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan.

The southwest monsoon and its trough will bring cloudy skies with scattered rains over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.

PAGASA warned the public of flashfloods and landslides during moderate to at times heavy rain.

Localized thunderstorms will be experienced in the rest of the country.

Domeng is expected to further intensify into a tropical storm this afternoon as it makes it way northwest, far from the country’s landmass.

PAGASA said Domeng may reach a peak intensity of around 85 kph tomorrow.

No tropical cyclone wind signal was hoisted for Domeng, which is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this weekend.

PAGASA said monsoon rains are expected over the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon due to the monsoon trough, which is being enhanced by Domeng and Caloy, which had exited the PAR.

Caloy was monitored 475 kms west of Iba, Zambales yesterday.