Photo credit: DOST_Pagasa

As of late morning today, July 23, two tropical cyclones continue to influence the country’s weather: Tropical Storm Dante (international name Francisco) over the Philippine Sea, and Tropical Depression Emong over the West Philippine Sea. Both systems are also enhancing the Southwest Monsoon, which is bringing strong winds and rain over much of the country.

At 10:00 AM, the center of Tropical Storm Dante was estimated to be about 900 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour. Moving north-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, Dante has strengthened into a tropical storm earlier this morning and is forecast to continue on a northwestward path toward the Ryukyu Islands and eventually the East China Sea. On this track, it is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility sometime tomorrow afternoon or evening. While further strengthening into a severe tropical storm is not expected at this time, forecasters have not ruled out the possibility.

No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals have been raised for any part of the country due to Dante so far. However, the Southwest Monsoon, enhanced by both Dante and Emong, is bringing strong to gale-force gusts over a large swath of the Philippines. These include Metro Manila, much of Luzon, the Visayas, and several provinces in Mindanao through Friday. Residents in coastal and upland areas particularly exposed to winds are advised to remain alert and follow guidance from local authorities.

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Emong, which developed from a low-pressure area early this morning, was located approximately 115 kilometers west-northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Emong is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 55 kilometers per hour while moving west-southwest at a relatively brisk pace of 35 kilometers per hour. Signal No. 1 is currently raised over parts of Ilocos Norte, western Ilocos Sur, northwestern La Union, and western Pangasinan. Winds associated with Signal No. 1 may cause minimal to minor damage, particularly in coastal and elevated areas exposed to the prevailing winds.

Emong is expected to loop over the West Philippine Sea tomorrow due to its interaction with Tropical Storm Dante, then begin moving northeastward while accelerating. On its current forecast track, it may pass close to or make landfall over parts of the Ilocos Region, Babuyan Islands, and Batanes in the next couple of days. The possibility of intensification into a tropical storm before close approach or landfall remains.

Both cyclones, along with the enhanced monsoon, are expected to continue bringing heavy rainfall over parts of Luzon and the Visayas. The public is urged to monitor advisories for localized heavy rainfall and wind warnings. Those in areas prone to flooding and landslides, or living in highly exposed communities, should be prepared to take necessary precautions or evacuate if advised by local officials.