The tropical storm Hagupit may enter the Philippine area of responsibility between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, according to the state weather bureau. Once inside, it will be given the local name Caloy. The system is currently located far east of Mindanao and is not expected to directly affect the country in the next three days.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Friday that Hagupit was located 1,615 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao at 3 a.m. It had maximum sustained winds of 75 kph with gusts up to 90 kph and was moving west-northwestward at 20 kph.
PAGASA said the storm is forecast to move west-northwestward and may enter the Philippine area of responsibility between Saturday evening, May 9, and Sunday morning, May 10. It is expected to further intensify in the next 24 hours and may reach peak intensity as a tropical storm before weakening due to unfavorable conditions.
The bureau added that the storm may be downgraded to a tropical depression by Monday evening while over the Philippine Sea. It could bring rains and cloudy skies to the eastern sections of Visayas and Southern Luzon early next week. PAGASA advised the public and disaster offices to continue monitoring updates.
Easterlies remain the prevailing weather system, bringing isolated rains and thunderstorms to parts of the country including Siquijor, Palawan, and sections of the Visayas. No gale warnings have been raised.
