‘Bising’ may reenter extreme N. Luzon

Tropical depression “Bising” is forecasted to reenter the western boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this Sunday as it moves closer toward extreme Northern Luzon.

State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Bising” exited the PAR at 2 p.m. on Friday.

After exiting the PAR, the tropical depression is seen to veer northeastward, moving in the direction of Batanes and Taiwan.

With its expected reentry this weekend, the weather bureau has not ruled out raising Signal No. 2 over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, citing the “possible southward shift” of its track.

As of 2 p.m., “Bising” was located 335 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan.

It had maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness up to 70 kilometers per hour.

The tropical depression was moving in a northwest direction at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour.

Signal No. 1 is currently raised over the northwestern portion of Ilocos Sur, western portion of Ilocos Norte, and the western part of the Babuyan Islands.

“Bising” is likely to enhance the southwest monsoon which will bring rains over the western section of Luzon.

Heavy to intense rainfall, ranging from 100 to 200 millimeters, is expected in Ilocos Norte until this Saturday noon.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains are possible over Batanes, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales and Bataan.

Dam levels

The water level at Ambuklao Dam in Benguet rose by 0.36 meters, prompting the opening of one gate at a discharge rate of 40 cubic meters per second.

Meanwhile, the water level at San Roque Dam in Pangasinan is expected to rise; however, PAGASA said it is not projected to reach its normal high-water level.