A tropical depression was located approximately 150km northwest of Bacnotan, La Union at 3am on August 8. Photo by PAGASA
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), at 3am on August 8, a tropical depression was located approximately 150km northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, or 125km southwest of Sinait, Ilocos Sur. The system remains within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is forecast to strengthen into a tropical depression or possibly a storm within 24 hours.
In addition to this low-pressure area, PAGASA is also monitoring a newly formed storm outside the PAR. The system, officially named Typhoon Podul, was located around 2,585km east of Northern Luzon at 3am on August 8. It is moving west-northwest at 15 km/h with sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h.
PAGASA has forecast that 2 to 3 tropical cyclones may enter or form within the PAR during August.
In its latest weather bulletin issued on the morning of August 8, PAGASA also reported that the southwest monsoon continues to affect most parts of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting confirmed at 5am on August 8 that the low-pressure system in the East Sea has intensified into a tropical depression.
At 4am, the tropical depression was located at latitude 19.1 degrees North and longitude 118.2 degrees East, in the eastern part of the northern East Sea. It was packing winds of level 6 (39–49 km/h), with gusts up to level 8, and moving west-northwest at 10–15 km/h.
Over the next 24 to 72 hours, the tropical depression is expected to bring strong winds and rough seas, particularly in the northeastern waters of the northern East Sea. Wind speeds may reach level 6, with gusts up to level 8. Waves could rise to 2.0–3.0 meters, causing rough sea conditions. Authorities warn that vessels operating in the affected area may face thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and high waves.
