Tropical Storm Hagupit is tracking westward over the waters south of Guam and is projected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this coming weekend, according to the state weather bureau.
In its 5 a.m. advisory on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) located the storm’s center approximately 1,995 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao.
The storm is currently moving at 20 kph with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts reaching 80 kph.
“Hagupit will continue moving westward in the next six hours, then turn west-northwestward for the remainder of the forecast period. It may enter the PAR between Saturday evening and Sunday morning and will be given a local name Caloy,” PAGASA said.
While Hagupit is expected to peak as a high-end tropical storm, forecasters predict it will weaken into a tropical depression by Tuesday as it traverses the Philippine Sea.
PAGASA noted that the storm is unlikely to have a direct impact on the country’s weather or maritime conditions within the next three days.
Meanwhile, a low-pressure area (LPA) is currently approaching the east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Although it is not expected to intensify into a tropical depression, the LPA is forecast to trigger scattered rains and thunderstorms across Central and Eastern Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Metro Manila and other parts of the country can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms triggered by the easterlies.
PAGASA has issued a warning for potential flash floods and landslides in affected regions, particularly during periods of moderate to heavy rainfall brought by the LPA or severe afternoon thunderstorms.