Storm intensifies off Mindanao – PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Surigae intensified yesterday as it moved closer the Philippine area of responsibility. It was expected to enter the country last night or early today and locally named Bising.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Bising was spotted 1,140 kilometers east of Mindanao as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

The cyclone is slowly moving northwest with maximum sustained winds of 95 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of about 115 kph.

PAGASA said Bising, the second cyclone to enter the country this year, could intensify into a typhoon in the next 36 hours.

Based on its current track, the weather disturbance is unlikely to make landfall in any part of the country.

The state weather bureau said a westward shift is still possible and may impact the eastern portions of Southern Luzon and Visayas if Bising strengthens over the weekend.

Moderate to heavy rains may be experienced over the eastern portion of the Visayas on Sunday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) urged its local counterparts to continue their preparedness measures.

“The public is again reminded to take precautionary measures, continue to monitor weather updates, and heed authorities’ warnings and advisories alongside observance of minimum health protocols against COVID-19,” the NDRRMC said.

Today, Luzon will experience generally fair weather but with high chance of rain in the afternoon and night time due to localized thunderstorms.

Temperature in Metro Manila will range between 24 to 33 degrees Celsius.