A low pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) developed into a tropical depression early Thursday, August 19.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 4 am bulletin on Thursday that the tropical depression was located 1,655 kilometers east of Central Luzon.

The tropical depression is moving northwest at only 15 kilometers per hour (km/h). If it maintains that direction and speed, it could enter PAR on Thursday or on Friday, August 20.

If the tropical depression enters PAR, it would be given the local name Isang, as the country’s ninth tropical cyclone for 2021. (READ: LIST: PAGASA’s names for tropical cyclones in 2021)

As of early Thursday, the tropical depression had maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.

PAGASA earlier said landfall seems unlikely, but forecasts could still change. (READ: FAST FACTS: Tropical cyclones, rainfall advisories)

In the meantime, the easterlies or warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean will continue to affect the Philippines.

Isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are expected in the country on Thursday.

PAGASA warned that flash floods and landslides are possible during severe thunderstorms. – Rappler.com