Bising exits PAR; monsoon rains to persist

Tropical Depression Bising has exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) but continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing rains and strong winds to parts of Luzon, the state weather bureau said Friday.

- Christine Boton

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Bising left PAR on the afternoon of July 4.

By 4 p.m. yesterday, it was located 345 kilometers west-northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, moving northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gusts of up to 70 kph.

While all tropical cyclone wind signals have been lifted, the combined effects of Bising's trough and the southwest monsoon will continue to dump moderate to heavy rains and bring strong winds over Northern and Northwestern Luzon.

Rainfall is expected to persist in Ilocos Norte and Batanes until Saturday afternoon, with Batanes likely to experience continued precipitation through Sunday.

Ilocos Sur and La Union may also see prolonged rains due to the monsoon, while downpours are forecast to continue in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur until Sunday afternoon.