By Brian Jules Campued
The two low pressure areas (LPA) being monitored inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) have intensified into Tropical Depressions “Butchoy” and “Carina” on Friday night, the state weather bureau said.
In its tropical cyclone bulletin issued at 11:00 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Butchoy was located 535 kilometers west of Tanauan City, Batangas, moving westward at 25 kilometers per hour.
The tropical depression packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near its center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
In its track forecast, PAGASA said Butchoy may exit the PAR within the next 12 hours.
“Butchoy will likely have limited intensification within the next two days, but is forecast to reach tropical storm category by tomorrow (July 20),” PAGASA stated.
Meanwhile, Carina was spotted 780 km east of Virac, Catanduanes, moving west northwestward at 20 kph.
The tropical cyclone has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
The state weather bureau said Carina is likely to remain far from the country’s landmass as it moves over the Philippine Sea towards Japan. However, it is also forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by Sunday, July 21.
“Beginning on Monday (July 22), the tropical cyclone will likely intensify further at a faster rate, eventually reaching typhoon category on Tuesday (July 23),” the agency further said.
According to state meteorologists, Butchoy and Carina are not forecast to directly affect the country, although they will enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat” — bringing moderate to heavy rains over the western portion of Luzon in the next three days.
