The tropical depression being monitored east of Mindanao has intensified into a tropical storm with the international name “Wutip.”
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration weather specialist Raymond Ordinario said the tropical storm was estimated at 2,000 kilometers east of Mindanao but remains outside the country’s area of responsibility as of yesterday.
The weather disturbance is still too far to affect any part of the Philippines and may intensify further into a severe tropical storm or typhoon. It will move close to the country’s vicinity around Saturday or Sunday.
Ordinario said PAGASA is looking into two possible scenarios: The tropical storm will move close to the Philippine Area of Responsibility but will recurve east or the tropical cyclone will enter the PAR but will weaken into a low pressure area due to strong winds coming from the northeast monsoon or “amihan.”
Today, the northeasterly surface wind flow will prevail, bringing generally fair weather over the entire archipelago.
Ordinario said there will be a slight chance of light rains. A fresh surge of amihan is likely by weekend, he added.
The northeast monsoon season usually prevails from late October to early March, and reaches its peak during February. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)