A developing super typhoon is forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) later this week, the state weather bureau said Tuesday.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the weather system was a low-pressure area monitored outside the PAR, which has strengthened into a tropical depression.
It was last located 1,985 kilometers (km) east of Northeastern Mindanao, maintaining sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 70 kph.
Pagasa said it is moving 20 kph westward and is predicted to eventually move west-northwestward and enter PAR on Friday evening or on Saturday.
‘In terms of intensity, this TC (tropical cyclone) is forecast to intensify over the Philippine Sea throughout the forecast period,’ Pagasa said in an advisory.
‘It may eventually reach typhoon category on Thursday (Nov. 6) and super typhoon during the weekend,’ it emphasized.
Pagasa then said that based on its TC Threat Potential Forecast, a landfall over the Philippine landmass ‘is becoming more likely.’
‘However, the exact landfall location and time remains highly uncertain, considering that the forecast is more than five days ahead,’ said the bureau.
It noted the tropical cyclone is not yet directly affecting the country, but rough sea conditions are expected in the northern and eastern seaboards starting Saturday.
Once it enters PAR, Pagasa will name the cyclone Uwan.