Storm “Domeng” has weakened into a tropical depression as it heads out of the country, while another low-pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Luzon threatens to develop into a cyclone, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Thursday.

Robert Sawi, chief of Pagasa’s weather forecasting section, said “Domeng” has slightly weakened with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center.

As of 10 a.m. last Wednesday, Sawi said “Domeng” was estimated at 230 kms southeast of Basco, Batanes and is slowly moving west-southwest at 9 kph.

Pagasa also lowered the public storm warning signal to No. 1 in at least 15 areas.

However, Signal No. 1 is still in effect over Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, La Union, Mt. Province, Isabela, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, including Calayan and Babuyan Islands, and the Batanes Group of Islands.

Meanwhile, the LPA spotted at 850 kms east of Luzon is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours as it lingers over the Pacific Ocean, Pagasa Administrator Dr. Prisco Nilo said in a press conference.

Nilo also said that the LPA will likely be stronger than “Domeng” because the LPA has lingered over the sea for a longer period.

If the LPA would intensify into a storm, it will be named “Ester.”

Sawi pointed out that “Domeng” and the active LPA will enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over the country.

“Domeng” is expected to be at 50 kms north of Aparri, Cagayan, Friday morning, and at 130 kms north-northwest of Laoag City Saturday morning.

Based on the weather model output, Sawi said “Domeng” is expected to further weaken, while the LPA will likely intensify bringing occasional rains over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas.

Nilo also added that Metro Manila will also experience heavy rains and strong winds because of the enhanced southwest monsoon.

He also noted a remote possibility that “Domeng” and the LPA will pull each other because they are already 1,000-km apart.