‘Betty’ goes pfft

MANILA, Philippines–The country’s second tropical cyclone this year rapidly weakened after entering Philippine territory and will likely dissipate before the weekend, earlier than expected, the state weather bureau said.

From a tropical storm, Tropical Depression “Betty” (international name: “Bavi”) weakened and will further weaken into a low pressure area Thursday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the low pressure area may bring light to moderate rains over northern Luzon particularly Cagayan and Isabela on Thursday and Friday.

Pagasa meteorologist Buddy Javier said the low pressure area may dissipate by Friday or Saturday.

“It will not last until the weekend,” he said.

With the cyclone over the Philippine Sea, its center about 1,000 kilometers away east of Casiguran, Aurora, Tropical Depression Betty weakened during the day Wednesday to 45 kilometers per hour maximum sustained winds (from 55 kph earlier in the day).

It has also slowed down to 17kph while moving westward toward northern Luzon.

“By tonight (Wednesday) it may have already weakened into a low pressure area and eventually dissipate,” Javier said.