Tropical Depression Luis to Hit Land with Heavy Rainfall

Tropical Depression Luis is forecasted to make landfall in the northern region of Luzon, Philippines, on the evening of August 3 or early morning of August 4. As of 4 AM local time on August 3, the center of Tropical Depression Luis was approximately 130 km east-southeast of Casiguran, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts up to 70 km/h.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in 10 areas across Luzon, including central and eastern Cagayan province, Isabela, Quirino, eastern and southern Apayao, eastern Kalinga, eastern Mountain Province, eastern Ifugao, northern Aurora, Polillo Islands, and northern Camarines Norte. Areas under this warning may experience strong winds ranging from 39-61 km/h within the next 36 hours, which could affect trees, light structures, and outdoor activities.

From now until the afternoon of August 3, provinces including Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Aurora, and Quezon are expected to receive rainfall amounts between 50-100 mm. This heavy rainfall is predicted to extend from the afternoon of August 3 to the afternoon of August 4, affecting regions such as La Union, Benguet, Pampanga, and the metropolitan area of Manila.

From August 4 to August 5, PAGASA warns that Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon. The agency indicates that Tropical Depression Luis is likely to maintain its intensity for most of the forecast period before weakening into a remnant low by August 5, merging completely with the circulation of Typhoon Dolphin.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Dolphin is currently located approximately 2,850 km east-northeast of northern Luzon, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It has maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h, with gusts reaching 190 km/h, and is moving northwest at a speed of 25 km/h. PAGASA notes that Typhoon Dolphin is not expected to directly impact the Philippines, although heavy rain and strong winds may still occur in areas outside the projected path of Tropical Depression Luis. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather reports and follow local government guidance to prepare accordingly.