Tropical Cyclone Kujira, known locally as Maymay, has dissipated after being absorbed by Typhoon Dolphin, which is now enhancing the southwest monsoon — locally referred to as the habagat — and unleashing heavy rainfall across Luzon, the Philippines' largest and most populous island, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Friday.

"As of eight in the morning, the low pressure area in the Philippine Sea that we are monitoring, formerly known as Tropical Depression Maymay, has already dissipated," PAGASA weather specialist Benison Jay Estareja stated during an 11:00 a.m. press briefing delivered in mixed English and Filipino.

"Its cloud clusters are no longer affecting any parts of the country, and it has become part of Typhoon Dolphin's trough," Mr. Estareja added.

He further noted that Typhoon Dolphin is expected to continue enhancing the southwest monsoon over the next three days, bringing heavy precipitation across large portions of Luzon, home to more than half of the country's population and including Metro Manila, the national capital region.

The southwest monsoon is a recurring seasonal weather pattern in the Philippines, typically active from June through September, during which moisture-laden winds from the southwest bring sustained rainfall. Tropical cyclones passing near or over the country frequently amplify monsoon conditions, as is occurring with Typhoon Dolphin. The Philippines averages around 20 tropical cyclones entering its area of responsibility each year, making concurrent or sequential storm systems a common feature of the wet season.

In a separate 11:00 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA issued heavy rainfall warnings for more than a dozen areas in anticipation of intense monsoon-driven rains over the coming 24 hours.

Intense rainfall, defined as 100 to 200 millimeters (mm), is forecast for Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. PAGASA cautioned that numerous flooding incidents are likely, particularly in urban centers, low-lying zones, and areas near rivers. Landslides are also probable in locations with moderate to high susceptibility.

Heavy rainfall, ranging from 50 to 100 mm, is expected over Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Antique. Under this warning level, localized flooding remains possible in urban, low-lying, and near-river areas, while landslides may occur in zones with high susceptibility.

PAGASA also issued additional heavy rainfall advisories covering many of the same areas, with these warnings remaining in effect from Friday through noon on Monday.

— Edg Adrian A. Eva