Tropical Update

Invest 96W is now moving across Southern and Central Luzon today. This low pressure area continues to bring widespread rains across much of Luzon causing flooding in many areas and also brings the threat of dams overfilling. Due to land interaction, the center of the disturbance is somewhat difficult to track; with the use of radar, surface, and satellite data, we assume the center to be somewhere in the NCR/Bulacan area. The system is moving northwestward at 20kph.

Latest reports out of Manila and other parts of Luzon, there have been 100 to even 150mm of rain that fell in the past 24 hours. In the capital, many areas were flooded prompting school cancellations in some municipalities. Ipo Dam has released water due to the nonstop rains and La Mesa Dam, which is close to Manila, is nearing its spilling level. Always listen to the news and the authorities for the official forecasts and warnings in your area!

IR Image from NRLMRY

Unfortunately, much of Luzon is still under the strong rainclouds associated with 96W. Strong convective activity near the center is still affecting Manila but is now starting to move into the Central and Northern Luzon areas. Heavy rains will continue overnight bringing yet another 100 to 150mm of rain in some spots. 96W will continue moving northwestward and could exit into the South China Sea later tomorrow. By then, chances of development could increase as it moves into the warm waters.

We'll have another update tomorrow. If you have any reports or images/videos to share from the system, feel free to post a comment here or email us at philippineweather@yahoo.com
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Issued (0930 UTC) 530pm PhT 070312