The state weather bureau said Tropical Storm Falcon entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday, July 29.

Photo credit to PAGASA

"The tropical storm has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility," the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Benison Estareja said in English and Filipino. 

"Falcon" (internationally name: "Khanun") officially became the sixth tropical cyclone in 2023 to enter the Philippines and the third in July, according to PAGASA.

In its latest bulletin issued at 5 a.m., PAGASA spotted the tropical storm 1,360 kilometers (km) east of central Luzon.

It said "Falcon" is moving west-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

'Egay' enhances 'habagat'

Various parts of Western Luzon, especially in Zambales and Bataan, will experience heavy rains in the next few hours due to the southwest monsoon or "habagat" that continues to enhance "Egay." 

"Falcon" is also expected to be enhanced by the "habagat" starting this weekend and will bring occasional monsoon rains over the western portion of Luzon and Visayas, said PAGASA. 

"The Southwest Monsoon currently enhanced by Tropical Storm Egay (currently over mainland China) will also be enhanced by Tropical Storm Falcon starting this weekend, bringing occasional to monsoon rains over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas in the next three days," PAGASA said in its bulletin.

TCWS remains unlikely 

"Mababa din po ang chance na magtaas tayo ng tropical cyclone wind signal (the chance to hoist tropical cyclone wind signal remains low)," Estareja said. 

While "Falcon's" landfall possibility is low, PAGASA said that the chance to change its direction is possible. 

Thus, the weather bureau reminded the public to stay updated on weather updates.

Gale warning 

Meanwhile, PAGASA advised to stay in port for larger vessels and properly equipped ships, mariners without proper experience, and especially those operating ill-equipped vessels.

PAGASA explained that this is because a " gale warning is in effect over several coastal waters along the western seaboard of Luzon, the eastern and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon, and the eastern and western seaboards of Visayas. Sea travel is risky for small seacrafts." (Sonny Daanoy)