TD ‘Ester’ to linger in PH over weekend
The low-pressure area (LPA) northwest of Batanes has developed into Tropical Depression Ester over the weekend, becoming the country’s fifth tropical cyclone this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
Pagasa said Ester formed at 3 a.m., prompting the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Batanes.
As of 5 a.m., the center of the tropical depression was estimated at 225 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes.
It was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph), gustiness of up to 55 kph and was moving northeastward at 20 kph.
Pagasa weather specialist Obet Badrina said residents in Batanes may experience strong winds and heavy rainfall due to the cyclone.
Aside from areas directly affected by Ester, rains associated with the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” are also expected over parts of western Luzon.
Frequent rains
Badrina said the combined effects of Ester and the habagat may bring occasional to frequent rains over Ilocos Region, parts of Cordillera Administrative Region, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro and Metro Manila on Friday and possibly through the weekend.
“The public should remain vigilant against the threat of flooding and landslides,” he said.
Meanwhile, the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will generally experience fair weather, although isolated rain showers and thunderstorms may still occur, particularly in the afternoon or evening and in the early morning.
Badrina said Ester is expected to move northeastward and make landfall over the southwestern coast of Taiwan in the next few hours.
The tropical depression is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning, June 6, before heading toward southern Japan.
He added that Ester may maintain its strength while crossing southern Taiwan.
Afterward, it is forecast to gradually intensify and could reach tropical storm category by Saturday while over the East China Sea.
At the same time, 16 areas are expected to continue experiencing dangerous heat index, according to the state weather bureau.
Heat index, or the “apparent heat,” is the combination of air temperature and humidity, indicating how hot the body feels.
In its latest weather briefing, Pagasa said 43°C is the peak heat index forecast on Tuesday, June 2.
This falls under the danger level (42 to 51 degrees Celcius), which means the possibility of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with heat stroke likely after prolonged exposure to the heat.
