Tropical Depression Pilandok Develops Inside PAR, May Intensify Into Tropical Storm
“It is almost stationary,” the state weather bureau said, noting that the southwest monsoon is affecting Luzon and the western section of Visayas.
A tropical depression has developed inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) and was given the local name Pilandok, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said on Sunday, Aug. 30.
Pilandok developed around 8 a.m. on Sunday and its center as of 3 a.m. today, Aug. 31, its center was at 1,120 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
“It is almost stationary,” PAGASA said, noting that the southwest monsoon is affecting Luzon and the western section of Visayas.
Pilandok is the 16th tropical cyclone in the country this year and the fifth this month.
It exceeded the projected number of tropical cyclones to enter or form inside PAR this month after Luis, Maymay, Neneng and Obet.
According to PAGASA, the southwest monsoon will bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of the country today.
“Pilandok is forecast to maintain its strength over the next 24 hours and may briefly intensify into a tropical storm by tomorrow afternoon (Sept. 1). Afterwards, it is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression by Wednesday morning (Sept. 2) and will maintain its strength throughout the remainder of the forecast period,” PAGASA said.
Pilandok may exit PAR by Wednesday evening or early morning Thursday, Sept.3.
“This tropical cyclone is less likely to make landfall over the country and will remain far from the Philippine landmass. The forecast track is highly uncertain and may change in the succeeding bulletins,” PAGASA said.
