MANILA, Philippines — State weather bureau PAGASA confirmed on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, that the low pressure area (LPA) west of Babuyan Islands has intensified into Tropical Depression Emong, while Tropical Storm Dante continues to strengthen over the Philippine Sea.
 |
| Twin cyclones Emong and Dante stir Philippine weather today, July 23, 2025. Photo courtesy: DOST-PAGASA |
Tropical Depression Emong
As of 10:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression Emong was located 115 km west-northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It carries maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h, gusts up to 55 km/h, and a central pressure of 996 hPa, moving west-southwest at 35 km/h.
 |
| Photo courtesy: DOST-PAGASA |
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is currently raised in the following Luzon areas:
- Ilocos Norte
- western Ilocos Sur: Sinait, San Juan, Cabugao, Santo Domingo, Magsingal, Bantay, San Ildefonso, San Vicente, Santa Catalina, City of Vigan, Caoayan, Santa, Narvacan, Santa Maria, San Esteban, Santiago, City of Candon, Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Tagudin
- northwestern La Union: City of San Fernando, San Juan, Bacnotan, Luna, Balaoan, Bangar, Bauang
- western Pangasinan: Dasol, Burgos, Agno, Bani, Bolinao, City of Alaminos, Mabini, Anda
Track and Interaction with Bagyong Dante
Emong is expected to continue its southwestward path today, but due to its interaction with nearby Tropical Storm Dante, it may loop over the West Philippine Sea on Thursday, July 24.
After this loop, Emong could accelerate northeastward, potentially passing close to the Ilocos Region, Babuyan Islands, and Batanes.
A landfall scenario remains possible, especially if the system shifts slightly eastward in its trajectory.
Tropical Storm Dante
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Dante has been intensifying over the Philippine Sea. As of the latest update, its center was spotted 900 km east of Extreme Northern Luzon.
- Maximum sustained winds: 65 km/h
- Gustiness: Up to 80 km/h
- Central pressure: 996 hPa
 |
| Photo courtesy: DOST-PAGASA |
Though no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals are currently raised for Dante, the storm is projected to move northwestward toward the Ryukyu Islands and later to the East China Sea. It is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday afternoon or evening.
PAGASA also noted that Dante may intensify further, possibly reaching severe tropical storm category before any potential landfall or close approach.
Twin Cyclones and the 2025 Season So Far
Dante and Emong are the fourth and fifth tropical cyclones to form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year. On average, the Philippines experiences 20 tropical cyclones annually, with about half making landfall and affecting various parts of the country.
— The Summit Express