Philippines: Cyclone 'Crising' set to intensify into a tropical storm by Thursday (July 17), seen turning into 'severe tropical storm'

Manila: With a tropical storm approaching, possibly intensifying into a severe tropical storm, residents in vulnerable regions are advised to secure homes and properties, and prepare for possible flooding or evacuation orders.

They are also urged to monitor updates from weathermen and local authorities closely. 

​​As of July 17, 2025, the Philippines is once again on alert as Tropical Depression “Crising” poses a growing threat to the archipelago, with government agencies and meteorologists closely monitoring its development and trajectory. 

The low-pressure area (LPA) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) intensified into Tropical Depression “Crising” on July 16.

It signals the third tropical cyclone for 2025 and the second for July.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of midday July 16, Crising was located approximately 725 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, moving westward at about 35 kph with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts reaching 55 kph. 

The system is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms primarily to the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte, with rainfall anticipated to range from 50 to 100 millimeters in several provinces including Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon and Northern Samar.

Meteorologists predict that Crising will intensify into a tropical storm on Thursday (July 17).

It also possible Crising could further strengthen to a severe tropical storm as it approaches Northern Luzon around July 18, according to regional forecasts. 

No storm signal warnings have been issued yet, but the populace in affected regions is urged to stay vigilant.

Pagasa explained that while Crising is relatively weak at present, its strengthening is expected to exacerbate the already heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat), which continues to affect Metro Manila and neighbouring areas such as Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. 

This dual weather system is likely to maintain cloudy skies and high chances of rain across wide parts of the country through the end of the week, according to local weather bureau Pagasa.

International meteorological agencies like the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) are also tracking the system closely, monitoring its strengthening potential and path as it moves across the western Pacific toward the Philippines.

The Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world, averaging about 20 tropical cyclones annually, with roughly half making landfall or directly affecting the islands.

These typhoons significantly impact agriculture, infrastructure, and communities, often causing floods, landslides, and power outages. In some years, destructive storms have led to major humanitarian crises.

Experts warn that the pattern and intensity of typhoons affecting the Philippines are evolving due to climate change and global warming, leading to more frequent extreme weather systems. 

Warmer ocean temperatures provide fuel for stronger storms, while altered atmospheric conditions may prolong the rainy season or increase storm rainfall intensity.

The arrival of "Crising" highlights the urgency for improved disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and effective early warning systems. 

Government agencies continue to enhance forecasting capabilities and community awareness to mitigate loss of life and property damage.