PAGASA: Rain over NCR, parts of Luzon; approaching cyclone gains strength but may miss PHL

PAGASA forecaster Manny Mendoza also said there is a chance a tropical cyclone approaching from the east could miss the Philippines.

 

In an interview on dzBB radio, Mendoza said the southwest monsoon is now affecting the western section of Luzon and may bring occasional rain to Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mindoro and Palawan.

 

But he also said the weather will be relatively good this weekend, especially after Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun) has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

 

"Sa weekend medyo maganda," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Mendoza said there is a chance the tropical cyclone approaching from the east may veer away from the Philippines.

 

As of 4 a.m., he said the cyclone - which has intensified into a tropical storm and was internationally codenamed Matmo - was about 1000 km east of Northern Mindanao.

 

It packed winds of up to 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph, and was moving north-northwest slowly.

 

The Japan Meteorological Agency indicated Matmo could miss the Philippines.

 

But Mendoza said that if Matmo still enters the PAR, it will be locally codenamed Henry.

 

"Sa kasalukuyan walang epekto ito sa Pilipinas, at baka patungo ito ng bansang Japan, hindi papasok (ng Pilipinas)," Mendoza said.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News