Tropical Storm ‘Matmo’ to Enter PHL Saturday

Manila (PNA) — The tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has intensified into tropical storm with international name “Matmo”, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that as of 4 a.m. tropical storm “Matmo” is still outside the PAR — 1,000 km east of Northern Mindanao (10.2°n, 135.4°e) with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move north northwest slowly.

Aurelio said the tropical storm is expected to enter PAR on Saturday but is not directly affecting the country yet.

According to Aurelio, once the tropical cyclone enters the PAR on Saturday morning, it will be locally named “Henry” — the eighth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year and the third for this month of July.

He added the effect of tropical storm will be felt next week.

Fair weather is still expected this weekend in most parts if the country except in western section of Luzon due to southwest monsoon affecting the area.

Meanwhile, for Friday forecast, rains are expected over the western section of Luzon due to southwest monsoon which remains as the dominant weather system now affecting the country.

The southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” affecting Luzon — associated with the occurrence of intermittent to continuous rains — is the prevailing wind system during the rainy season.

He said Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the provinces of Mindoro and Palawan will have occasional rains while the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.

The state weather bureau also issued a gale warning — strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of the southwest monsoon which would affect the western seaboard of Luzon.

“Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” PAGASA warned.

In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to southeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the southwest will prevail over the rest of the country with moderate to rough seas. (PNA) JBP/CLTC

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