The Low Pressure Area (LPA) over the northern part of the Philippines intensified into a tropical depression on Thursday evening, June 12, and was named Auring, according to PAGASA.
Auring is the country’s first tropical cyclone for 2025.
As of 11:00 p.m., PAGASA reported that Auring was located 295 kilometers north of Itbayat, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 55 kph, moving north-northwest at 15 kph.
No tropical cyclone wind signals have been raised anywhere in the country.
However, Auring is bringing moderate to heavy rains (50 to 100 millimeters) over Batanes and Cagayan until Friday, June 13. These rains may cause localized flooding in low-lying and urban areas, and possible landslides in mountainous regions. Rainfall could be heavier in elevated areas due to recent rain.
PAGASA said Auring is expected to make landfall in Taiwan between Thursday night and early Friday morning. Because of land interaction, it may weaken quickly and could downgrade back to an LPA. It is also expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday.
Meanwhile, strong to near-gale gusts brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) may affect Batanes and the Babuyan Islands.
Moderate to rough seas (2.5 to 3 meters) are expected along the coasts of the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands, so small vessels are advised not to set sail.
Coastal waters in Bataan and Occidental Mindoro will also be moderate, with waves up to 2.5 meters.
PAGASA earlier said that 1 to 2 tropical cyclones may form or enter the PAR this June. From June to November, the country may experience 11 to 19 tropical cyclones.
The rainy season officially began on June 2, while the southwest monsoon was declared on May 30.
