TD outside PAR maintains strength; may enter PH late Saturday as typhoon

Pagasa weather update

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau said the tropical depression being monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has maintained strength while moving west northwestward, adding that it may enter the country’s boundary as a typhoon.

In its bulletin issued 11 p.m. on Thursday, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the tropical cyclone may enter PAR between Saturday evening, July 29 and Sunday morning, July 30.

Once inside the PAR, it will be given the domestic name Falcon — the country’s 6th tropical cyclone in 2023.

“This tropical depression is forecast to reach tropical storm category by tomorrow, July 28 and is forecast to continuously intensify within the next five days. It may enter the PAR region as a typhoon by late Saturday or early Sunday,” said Pagasa.

Despite this, state meteorologists said that the hoisting of wind signals over any portion of the country due to this weather disturbance remained less likely.

It, however, may enhance the southwest monsoon, locally called “habagat,” and trigger intermittent monsoon rains over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas beginning Saturday.

Pagasa said the tropical depression was last seen 1,335 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas sustaining winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

It is moving west northwestward at 25 kph.

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JPV