By Ron Guerrero
MANILA — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday said most parts of the country will continue to enjoy generally fair weather, even as authorities closely monitor Super Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to approach the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the coming days.
The state weather bureau reported that the easterlies continue to affect eastern Luzon and the Visayas, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms over Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Aurora, Quezon, and Dinagat Islands.
The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will likewise experience warm weather with only isolated thunderstorms expected, mainly during the afternoon or evening.
Despite the generally favorable conditions, PAGASA warned that strong thunderstorms may produce heavy downpours capable of causing localized flooding and landslides in vulnerable communities.
As of 3 a.m., Super Typhoon Bavi was spotted approximately 2,700 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. The weather system was packing sustained winds of 195 kph and gusts of up to 240 kph while moving westward at 15 kph.
Forecast models indicate the cyclone could enter the PAR by Wednesday morning, at which point it will be assigned the local name Inday.
Although the likelihood of landfall remains low, PAGASA said the typhoon may pass near the country’s northern boundary, particularly the Batanes area and extreme Northern Luzon.
Authorities advised the public to continue monitoring official weather advisories, noting that changes in the storm’s track and strength remain possible over the next several days.
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