Fair weather seen as Kiko exits

MANILA, Philippines — Fair weather is expected to prevail in most parts of the country until the weekend as Tropical Storm Kiko continued to move away yesterday after dumping heavy rains over parts of Northern Luzon. 

Kiko was forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility last night or early today. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has not spotted any new weather disturbance that could enhance monsoon rains in the coming days, according to assistant weather services chief Rene Paciente.

Kiko intensified into a storm yesterday as it moved toward southeastern China. 

As of 3 p.m., the center of Kiko was at 215 kilometers west-northwest of Basco, Batanes, packing winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

It is projected to move north-northwest at 17 kph. 

Residents of Ilocos region and Batanes and Babuyan groups of islands have been warned of light to moderate rains to occasional heavy rains and gusty winds due to thunderstorms. 

Metro Manila and the rest of the country may also experience isolated thunderstorms. 

PAGASA warned fishermen against venturing into the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon due to big waves generated by Kiko. 

Two to four cyclones are predicted to enter the Philippines this month.