Super typhoon Mawar, which will be given the domestic name Betty once inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), has slightly weakened, the state weather bureau said on Friday evening, May 26.
Satellite image of super typhoon Mawar (PAGASA)
From maximum winds of 215 kilometers per hour, Mawar’s sustained winds fell to 205 kph. The weather disturbance’s eye was last seen 1,475 kilometers east of Central Luzon outside PAR.
Mawar remained less likely to make landfall, but noting its wide radius extending up to 570 km, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the cyclone could trigger strong to typhoon force winds and heavy rains in most parts of Northern and Extreme Northern Luzon.
“Super typhoon Mawar is forecast to enter the PAR region tomorrow early morning, [May 27]. On the track forecast, the super typhoon will continue accelerating west northwestward until tomorrow before gradually decelerating on Sunday while maintaining its direction,” said PAGASA.
“Mawar is forecast to remain as a super typhoon tonight until the weekend, although the chance of slight weakening still remains. However, this tropical cyclone may weaken at [a] faster rate beginning on Monday during its slowdown period due to potential unfavorable conditions,” it furthered.
Earlier, the state weather bureau said tropical cyclone wind signals may be raised as early as Saturday, May 27. Apart from Mawar’s direct impact, Filipinos were likewise told to brace for Mawar-enhanced southwest monsoon that could affect the western part of the country.