By Ma. Cristina Arayata | Philippine News Agency
Mawar has reintensified into a super typhoon as it continues to move closer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the weather bureau said Thursday, May 25.
In its 5:00 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Mawar was last tracked 2,150 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, packing maximum winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.
Moving west northwest at 15 kph, Mawar may enter PAR by Friday evening, or Saturday morning, and will be given the local name Betty.
The typhoon’s rain bands are expected to bring heavy rains over Cagayan Valley between Sunday and Tuesday next week, PAGASA added.
It may also enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing rains over the western parts of Luzon and Visayas beginning Sunday or Monday.
Meanwhile, many areas in the country will continue to experience rains due to the southwesterly windflow and localized thunderstorms on Thursday.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will prevail over Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Zamboanga Peninsula, and BARMM due to the southwesterly windflow.
Flash floods or landslides are possible due to moderate to at times heavy rains, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said more areas will experience rains in the afternoon through evening because of the southwesterly windflow and localized thunderstorms.
Isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are forecast over Metro Manila and the rest of the country. Severe thunderstorms may cause flash floods or landslides.
Moderate winds and moderate seas will prevail over the northern and eastern sections of Luzon.
Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas.
