Dindo moves north-northwest as Southwest Monsoon brings rains

Tropical Depression Dindo still has no direct impact on the country as it moves north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, but  occasional rains will still be experienced in different areas due to the Southwest Monsoon, PAGASA said on Saturday.

In its bulletin issued at 11 a.m., PAGASA said Dindo is forecast to move northwest in the next 24 hours and move near or over the southern islands of the Ryukyu archipelago on Monday morning.

As of 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dindo was estimated 800 km east northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan or 715 km east of Basco, Batanes.

It is moving west northwestward at 10 kph, with maximum winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Dindo will likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Monday morning and afternoon, and will remain far from the Philippine landmass throughout the forecast period, PAGASA said.

DINDO may, however, reach the tropical storm category by Monday morning.

"This tropical cyclone has no direct impact on the country at the moment. No tropical cyclone wind signal is in effect over the country," the state weather bureau said.

Southwest Monsoon rains

Meanwhile, Luzon, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Bangsamoro will experience Occasional rains (light to moderate with at times heavy) due to the Southwest Monsoon.

PAGASA said flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to the hazards.

It further said a Gale Warning is in effect over the northern and western seaboards of Luzon, where sea travel will be risky over these areas due to rough to very rough seas.

As of 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, another tropical cyclone being monitored outside the PAR was estimated 1,070 km west of Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

It is currently moving westward at 15 kph. -MDM, GMA News