MANILA — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is closely monitoring a tropical storm outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) that could rapidly strengthen and become a super typhoon before approaching the country next week.
According to PAGASA weather specialist Leanne Loreto, current forecasts indicate the weather disturbance may enter PAR between Wednesday and Thursday next week. Once it crosses into the country’s monitoring area, it will be given the local name “Inday.”
Loreto said the tropical cyclone is expected to continue intensifying over the next several days and could reach typhoon or even super typhoon strength, although its exact track and final intensity remain uncertain at this stage.
She added that even before entering PAR, the storm is likely to enhance the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, which could trigger periods of moderate to heavy rainfall over parts of the country.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon will continue to influence the weather despite Tropical Depression Henry having already exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Areas likely to experience cloudy skies and scattered rain showers include Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Panay Island, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.
The state weather bureau also noted that the easterlies will continue to affect Quezon Province, the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and the Caraga Region, bringing warm and humid conditions with a chance of isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
PAGASA urged residents, particularly those in areas prone to flooding and landslides, to closely monitor official weather advisories as the developing cyclone’s movement and strength become more certain in the coming days.
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