'Nimfa' slightly gains strength, speed; habagat affecting Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Nimfa (Tapah) slightly gained strength but it is the southwest monsoon affecting most of Luzon, weather forecasters said Friday.

“Nimfa” was located 580 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 75 km per hour from the previous 65 kph. Its gusts also intensified to up to 90 kph from the previous 80 kph.

The tropical depression also accelerated, now moving west at 25 kph. Despite gaining speed, “Nimfa” is still forecast to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.

The trough or extension of “Nimfa” is no longer affecting any part of the Philippines. It is the southwest monsoon that will bring rains over Luzon.

Monsoon rains will dampen CALABARZON and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque and Rombon, while occasional rains may occur over Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

The rest of Luzon, meanwhile, will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms will affect Visayas and Mindanao.

Forecast positions

• Saturday morning: 635 km northeast of Basco, Batanes
• Sunday morning: 1,070 km northeast of Basco, Batanes (outside PAR)