Tropical Depression “Dodong” Threatens Northern Luzon, Enhances Southwest Monsoon

The Low Pressure Area previously monitored in the vicinity of Northern Luzon has developed into a tropical depression and has been named “Dodong”. According to the latest weather reports, Dodong is forecast to generally track northwestward and west-northwestward, posing a significant threat to the rugged landmass of Northern Luzon.

As of the most recent updates, the eye of Dodong was located approximately 55 km East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora (16.5 °N, 122.6 °E), moving North Northwestward at a speed of 20 km/h. Despite its current categorization as a tropical depression, Dodong is no lightweight. It is showing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near its center, and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.

Tropical Depression Dodong is also projected to play a significant role in the weather patterns of the surrounding regions. Meteorologists are warning that the Southwest Monsoon, enhanced by Dodong, may bring a significant amount of rainfall over the next three days.

Notably, Dodong is forecast to remain a tropical depression throughout its duration in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It may, however, reach tropical storm category by late Saturday or early Sunday as it moves out of the PAR, posing potential risks to marine and coastal activities.

Areas under Tropical Cyclone Signal Warning No. 1 include:

• Cagayan
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet, including Baguio City
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• The northern portion of Pangasinan, including San Nicolas, San Manuel, Sison, San Fabian, Pozorrubio, Bolinao, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Agno, Binmaley, Dagupan City, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, and Anda
• The northern and central portions of Aurora, including Maria Aurora, San Luis, Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag
• The northern and eastern portions of Polillo Islands, including Panukulan, Burdeos, Patnanungan, and Jomalig

Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions, especially against potential flash floods and landslides. Mariners of small sea vessels are also advised to stay on alert due to rough sea conditions.

Stay tuned for more updates as Dodong continues to evolve and impact our weather patterns in the coming days.