Typhoon to graze Phl today

MANILA, Philippines - The typhoon to be named Urduja (international name Francisco) will enter the Philippine area of responsibility today but will not directly affect any part of the country, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

Robert Sawi, weather division chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said Urduja was expected to only graze the country’s northeastern coast.

Sawi said the prevailing northeast monsoon - cold winds from China and Siberia - “is shielding” the country from the typhoon’s wrath.

He said fair weather would prevail over most parts of the country in the next three to five days.