Tropical depression slightly intensifies, to enter PAR as typhoon - PAGASA

The tropical depression currently outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has slightly intensified and may develop into a tropical storm within 24 hours, PAGASA said Tuesday.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said the tropical cyclone is not expected to directly affect the weather conditions in the country, although it may enhance the Southwest Monsoon that may bring rains over the western sections of Southern Luzon and Visayas beginning on Wednesday or Thursday. 

Once it enters the PAR, possibly on Thursday afternoon or evening, the tropical cyclone will be called "Josie."

"This tropical cyclone may intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours," the weather bureau said. "Current forecast scenario shows that this tropical cyclone will enter the PAR as a typhoon."

PAGASA said the tropical depression is forecast to track slowly northeastward or become almost stationary for the next 36 hours before sharply turning northwestward or west northwestward on Thursday.

As of 10 a.m., the center of the tropical depression was spotted 1,740 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon. 

It was moving northward slowly, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.  —VBL, GMA News