More rain is expected across Luzon and parts of the Visayas on Wednesday as the southwest monsoon remains the main weather system affecting the Philippines, even as Tropical Depression Neneng moves toward Taiwan.
Pagasa warned that Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro could receive between 100 and 200 millimeters of rain, enough to increase the threat of flooding and landslides in susceptible areas.
Rainfall of 50 to 100 mm was forecast over Metro Manila, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal and Oriental Mindoro. Aklan and Antique were also expected to experience rainy conditions due to the habagat.
Other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao were forecast to have generally fair weather, although thunderstorms could develop later in the day.
Neneng was located about 675 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes, as of 4 a.m. Wednesday. The tropical depression packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 70 kph while moving northwest at 15 kph.
Despite its presence within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Pagasa said Neneng was not expected to directly affect the country. The cyclone was projected to approach Taiwan, with a possible landfall there between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.
Forecasters were also watching two tropical depressions beyond the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The system west of Calayan, Cagayan was not expected to have a direct impact on the Philippines.
Another cyclone farther east of northeastern Mindanao could become more significant for the country’s weather next week. Pagasa said the system may enhance the southwest monsoon, potentially bringing another round of rains over large portions of the Philippines.