Storm skirts PAR; rain expected in Luzon, Mindanao

In this satellite photo released by Pagasa, Tropical storm ‘Merbok’ can be seen as red and orange spots to the left of Luzon. PAGASA PHOTO

A tropical storm that developed west of Luzon is expected to move away from the country, which will still experience clouds and rain particularly in northwestern Luzon and southeastern Mindanao.

Tropical storm “Merbok” was spotted at 4 a.m. outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) at 535 kilometers west of northern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa said the storm packing maximum winds of 75 kilometers per hour was moving north-northwest at 25 kph and is expected to move away from the country.

Meanwhile, a high pressure area has been spotted east of the Visayas.

In its 24-hour public weather forecast issued at 5 a.m. Monday, Pagasa said cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms will prevail over the provinces of Pangasinan and Zambales as well as the regions of Davao and Caraga.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are expected over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

Pagasa said moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over the western section of Luzon, where the coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough.

Meantime, light to moderate winds coming from the southeast to south will prevail over the rest of Luzon and winds from the southeast to east will prevail over the Visayas and Mindanao with slight to moderate seas. CBB/rga