Super typhoon may enter PAR as 'Inday,' but unlikely to hit land – PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — A powerful storm churning far east of Luzon is forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday night or early Wednesday, PAGASA said.

Super Typhoon Bavi, however, is unlikely to make landfall in the country even as it may help stir stronger winds and monsoon rains later this week, according to the state weather bureau.

Once inside PAR, the super typhoon will be given the local name Inday.

PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said Bavi was last monitored more than 2,300 kilometers east of Luzon, still outside PAR.

The super typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 265 kph.

It was moving west-northwest at 15 kph, or toward the PAR boundary.

"If the storm's movement and direction do not change, it is expected to enter PAR by Tuesday night or early Wednesday," Aurelio said in Filipino in a video update.

PAGASA said Bavi has a low chance of making landfall in the Philippines. The center or eye of the super typhoon is forecast to approach the Batanes area before making landfall over Taiwan.

What to expect

• Monday: Mostly localized thunderstorms, with Bavi still far outside PAR and not yet directly affecting the country.
• Tuesday to Wednesday: Strong wind gusts may be felt in large parts of the Philippines due to Bavi and the southwest monsoon.
• Thursday onward: The enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, may bring scattered rains and thunderstorms, especially over the western sections of the country.

For Monday, PAGASA said Bavi has no effect yet on any part of the country, while the southwest monsoon is also not yet affecting the Philippines.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country may generally expect fair weather, with possible localized thunderstorms or sudden downpours in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA warned that severe thunderstorms may still trigger flash floods or landslides.

No gale warning is currently in effect over any of the country's seaboards, but PAGASA advised those heading out to sea to remain cautious due to thunderstorms that may develop later in the day. — Renalyn Ramirez