A TROPICAL depression outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) yesterday intensified into a tropical storm ahead of its forecast entry to PAR tonight or Friday morning.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) said the cyclone, with international name “Nanmadol,” reached the tropical storm category at around 2 a.m. yesterday.
PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castaneda said the cyclone may further intensify into severe tropical storm then typhoon before entering PAR. It will be given the name “Josie” once it is inside the PAR.
“Based on our latest analysis, it will remain far from landmass and it will not directly affect any part of our country, except the possibility it will enhance the southwest monsoon which will bring rains especially in the western sections of southern Luzon and Visayas in the coming days,” said Castaneda.
As 3 p.m. yesterday, the storm was some 1,945 km east of extreme northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 85 kph. It was slowly moving northeastward.
“There is a possibility it will intensify into a typhoon once it enters into our area of responsibility,” said PAGASA.
PAGASA said “improving environmental conditions by tomorrow (Thursday) will enable the tropical cyclone to further intensify.”
“Current forecast scenario shows that this tropical cyclone will enter the PAR as a typhoon.
This tropical storm is forecast to remain far from the Philippine landmass and not directly affect the weather condition in the country,” it also said.
