PAGASA: Typhoon-enhanced southwesterly wind flow could bring rains this weekend
The typhoon with the international name Mawar may strengthen the southwesterly wind flow, which will bring significant rainfall to a large portion of the archipelago this weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday, May 23.
PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda said in a public weather forecast that there is a high possibility that the tropical cyclone could pull the southwesterly wind flow, bringing rains, particularly over the western parts of the country, beginning Friday, May 26.
Mawar is projected to move north-northwestward and could enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening or early Saturday morning, May 27.
It will be given the local name “Betty” once inside the PAR.
If it continues on its current track, the weather disturbance may approach the extreme northern Luzon area, Castañeda added.
As of Tuesday morning, Mawar was approximately 2,300 kilometers east of Visayas, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.
PAGASA on Monday said Mawar has a chance of intensifying into a super typhoon with winds of at least 185 kph while still over the sea.
Currently, it has no direct effect on any part of the country, Castañeda said.
In the next 24 hours, scattered light to heavy rain showers and thunderstorms may persist in Palawan due to the southwesterly wind flow.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country will continue to experience hot weather with a chance of isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.