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MANILA, Philippines – Even before Tropical Depression Dodong leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), forecasters are already monitoring a cloud cluster which could later become a tropical depression.

In a press briefing past 11 am on Wednesday, June 26, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said this cloud cluster is located 1,735 kilometers east of Mindanao, still outside PAR.

It could become a low pressure area and then a tropical depression, according to PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja.

Estareja said the potential weather disturbance might enter PAR on Friday, June 28, or Saturday, June 29.

If it does enter PAR and becomes a tropical depression inside, it would be given the local name Egay. (READ: LIST: PAGASA’s names for tropical cyclones in 2019)

More details are expected to be given in the coming days.

So far, the Philippines has had 4 tropical cyclones in 2019: Amang, Betty, Chedeng, and now Dodong, which is set to leave PAR on Wednesday. All 4 were classified as tropical depressions. (READ: FAST FACTS: Tropical cyclones, rainfall advisories)

The Philippines gets an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually, but since 2019 is an El Niño year, only 14 to 18 tropical cyclones are expected.

Below is the estimated number of tropical cyclones from July to December:

• July – 2 or 3
• August – 2 to 4
• September – 2 to 4
• October – 2 or 3
• November – 1 or 2
• December – 0 or 1

The southwest monsoon or hanging habagat is also bringing rain to the western part of the Philippines, including Metro Manila.

PAGASA declared the start of the rainy season last June 14. – Rappler.com