Typhoon ‘Wutip’ weakens ahead of PAR entry

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon “Wutip” on Wednesday weakened ahead of its expected entry into the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

The typhoon was last spotted 1,950 kilometers east of Central Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Wutip is expected to enter PAR on Thursday but it is not likely to directly affect the country. It will be locally named “Betty” once it enters PAR.

The typhoon continued to move slowly north northwest, Pagasa said.

The northeast monsoon, meanwhile, is currently affecting the entire country. /je