PAGASA: Haikui now a severe tropical storm as it approaches PAR

Tropical Cyclone Haikui has intensified into severe tropical storm and is now approaching the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Haikui was located 1,465 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon outside the PAR packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km per hour, gustiness of up to 135 km/h, and central pressure of 985 hPa.

Haikui’s strong to storm-force winds extend outwards up to 300 km from the center, PAGASA said. It was moving northward at 15 km/h.

PAGASA said Haikui may enter PAR on Wednesday afternoon or evening and is expected to move generally west northwestward or northwestward throughout the forecast period.

Once inside PAR, Haikui will be called “Hanna.”

Haikui is expected to develop into a typhoon within the PAR region and may reach its peak intensity on Friday as it approaches the boundary of PAR, PAGASA said.

“It is forecast to continuously intensify within the next five days,” it added.

While Haikui is less likely to directly affect the country, PAGASA said it may enhance the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat starting Thursday.

Due to this, occasional or monsoon rains are expected over the western portion of Luzon and Visayas throughout the week, PAGASA said.

Haikui may remain far from the Philippine landmass and may exit PAR on Friday morning while approaching the Ryukyu Islands. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News