PAGASA: Tropical Depression Domeng slightly intensifies while moving south

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 30) — Tropical Depression Domeng has slightly gained strength while slowly moving south, the state weather bureau said.

In its 11 p.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Domeng was last spotted 1,000 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Domeng developed into a tropical depression at 2 p.m. on Thursday, becoming the fourth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

Domeng comes less than a day after Tropical Depression "Caloy" exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Caloy (international name: Chaba) has since intensified into a tropical storm outside PAR.

No tropical cyclone wind signal is currently hoisted for the tropical depression.

However, the weather bureau said rains are expected over the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon in the next 24 hours, as Domeng and Caloy enhance the monsoon trough and the Southwest Monsoon.

Domeng is also forecast to become a tropical storm within the next 12 hours, and to reach a peak intensity of around 85 kph by Saturday.

It is expected to gradually accelerate north northwestward over the next three days and "remain far from the Philippine landmass" before exiting PAR on Saturday morning or afternoon, PAGASA added.