Igme becomes typhoon, to exit Philippines today

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Storm Igme (international name Chaba) intensified into a typhoon yesterday as it continued to move northwest toward southern Japan, the state-run weather bureau said. 

Igme is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility today, but it will still enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring rains over some parts of the country. 

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the eye of the typhoon was spotted at 820 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph. 

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Igme is projected to move northwest at 25 kph. 

PAGASA also said cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms would prevail over Eastern Visayas, Caraga and Davao today due to the southwest monsoon.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms, meanwhile, will be experienced over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

Igme is the first tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this month and the ninth cyclone this year.

PAGASA also monitors a brewing low-pressure area inside the country that may develop into a cyclone by midweek.