Newly developed Tropical Depression Wilma, shear line to dump rain

MANILA, Philippines, December 5 ------ The low pressure area inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility developed into a tropical depression. It was given the local name Wilma, as the country’s 23rd tropical cyclone for 2025. It is also the first tropical cyclone for December.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wilma was located 625 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar. The tropical depression is moving west southwest at 20 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.

PAGASA expects Wilma to make its first landfall in Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands between Friday evening, December 5, and Saturday morning, December 6. Then it is projected to cross the Visayas until Monday, December 8; emerge over the Sulu Sea; and move over the northern portion of Palawan between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, December 9.

The weather bureau added that Wilma could slightly intensify before hitting land, “but will likely remain a tropical depression throughout the forecast period.” Although Wilma is likely to remain a tropical depression, it will trigger moderate to intense rain — mainly in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao — in the next three days. Floods and landslides are expected.

Friday noon, December 5, to Saturday noon, December 6

Heavy to intense rain (100-200 mm): Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Cebu, Negros Occidental

Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm): Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, Guimaras, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin

Saturday noon, December 6, to Sunday noon, December 7

Heavy to intense rain (100-200 mm): Romblon, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, Guimaras, Negros Occidental

Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm): Masbate, Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor

Aside from Wilma, the shear line, or the point where cold air from the northeast monsoon converges with the easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will bring significant rain as well. These provinces in Southern Luzon are expected to be affected by the shear line:

Friday noon, December 5, to Saturday noon, December 6

Heavy to intense rain (100-200 mm): Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate

Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm): Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur

Saturday noon, December 6, to Sunday noon, December 7

Moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm): Quezon, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon

Floods and landslides are likely, too. PAGASA advised the public to monitor updates on both Wilma and the shear line.

Source: rappler.com