Tropical depression outside PAR intensifies into tropical storm

The tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday intensified into Tropical Storm Haikui, according to PAGASA.

PAGASA said the center of Haikui was 2,230 kilometers east of Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

The weather bureau said Haikui may enter the PAR on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, where it will then be named “Hanna.”

“The current forecast scenario suggests that HAIKUI is less likely to directly affect the country,” PAGASA said. “However, it may enhance the Southwest Monsoon beginning on Wednesday or Thursday.”

“This may result in the continuation of occasional or monsoon rains over the western portion of Luzon and Visayas throughout this week,” it added.

Haikui may intensify into a severe tropical storm within 36 hours and may become a typhoon before entering the PAR, according to PAGASA.

At present, Signal No. 1 is raised over nine areas in the Philippines due to Typhoon Goring. — DVM, GMA Integrated News