‘Betty’ weakens further as it nears Luzon—Pagasa

Source: Project Noah | 11:01 am, March 18, 2015

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical depression “Betty” (international name “Bavi”) weakened further late Wednesday morning as it traversed the Philippine Sea towards Luzon, according to the weather bureau.

In a span of 12 hours, the winds of Betty slowed from 65 kilometers per hour (kph) to 45 kph but remained a tropical depression as it continued to move west at 17 kph.

Pagasa said a ridge of high pressure above Luzon was expected to continue affecting Betty which is seen to become a low pressure area in 24 hours. It could dissipate within the next 48 hour and no longer affect the country.

However, should it remain a LPA and follow its present track, Betty would bring rain to Northern and Central Luzon, said forecaster Meno Mendoza.

As of 10a.m., the weather disturbance was 1,120 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora.

By Thursday morning, it is seen to be 705 kilometers east of Casiguran.

Light to moderate rains (2.5-7.5mm per hour) are seen within the 300 kilometer diameter of Betty.