Julian now a typhoon, to exit PAR on Monday; Habagat affecting parts of Luzon

Severe Tropical Storm Julian has become a typhoon but remains far from the Philippine landmass, PAGASA said in its severe weather bulletin on Sunday morning.

No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals were raised as PAGASA said Typhoon Julian is "less likely to directly cause high impact weather over the country."

The typhoon is expected to further intensify rapidly and on Monday will reach its peak.

Julian is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday evening or Tuesday early morning.

Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continues to affect the country.

The monsoon may cause coastal waters to be moderate to rough (1.2 to 3.4 meter waves) over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Eastern Visayas.

PAGASA warned those with small seacraft to take the necessary precautions when venturing out to sea.

At 4 a.m., Julian's eye was located at 740 km east of Casiguran, Aurora or 775 east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

It has maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kim/h.

Julian is almost stationary as of posting time.

However, the typhoon will slowly accelerate northward on Sunday and turn northwestward on Monday.

PAGASA advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned to take the necessary precautions.

The next severe weather bulletin will be out at 11 a.m. on Sunday. —KG, GMA News