Tropical Depression Julian (KRATHON) Weakens Over Taiwan

Tropical Depression Julian (international name: KRATHON) has further weakened and remains almost stationary. The center of the weather disturbance is currently located 240 km north-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, or in the vicinity of Pingtung County, Taiwan, at coordinates 22.6°N, 120.6°E. Julian now has maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching up to 75 km/h and a central pressure of 1008 hPa.

The weakening system is not expected to significantly affect the Philippines, as no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) are currently raised over any part of the country. However, its broad circulation still brings moderate to rough sea conditions over various coastal areas, prompting warnings for mariners and operators of small seacrafts to avoid venturing out, especially those inexperienced or with poorly equipped vessels.

Coastal Waters Hazards

In the next 24 hours, moderate to rough seas are expected over the following areas:

Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte seaboards (up to 3.5 meters high waves)
Remaining seaboards of the Ilocos Region and Zambales (up to 3.0 meters)
Northern mainland Cagayan seaboard, Bataan seaboard, and the western seaboards of Lubang Island, Calamian Islands, northern mainland Palawan, and Kalayaan Islands (up to 2.5 meters).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has advised small vessels to avoid these areas due to the hazardous sea conditions.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Julian is forecast to continue weakening throughout the day and may become a remnant low-pressure area over Taiwan’s landmass or the nearby southwestern sea. PAGASA will continue to monitor the system closely for any further developments.