I M Ready: Approaching cyclone now a tropical storm, may enter PAR March 17

A cyclone approaching from the east has intensified into a tropical storm and could enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility next week.

GMA News' I M Ready said the tropical storm, with international code name Bavi, is over the Pacific Ocean as of Thursday.

Citing information from The Weather Company, it said the cyclone is moving west-northwest and may enter the PAR next Tuesday, March 17, if it does not change its speed or direction.

Should it enter the PAR, it would be locally codenamed Betty. Earlier this year, Tropical Storm Amang (Mekkhala) brought rain to parts of the country during Pope Francis' visit. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News