Julian may become a typhoon; Habagat continues to affect parts of Luzon

Severe Tropical Storm Julian (international name: Maysak) on Saturday continued to "rapidly intensify" and may become a typhoon on Saturday afternoon or evening, PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. severe weather bulletin.

However, Julian remains far from the country's landmass and is "less likely to directly cause high impact weather," PAGASA said. No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal is expected to be raised.

The Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) on the other hand continues to affect parts of Luzon.

The seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern section of Central Luzon will have moderate to rough seas due to the monsoon. Waves may reach as high as 3.4 meters. Small seacraft owners are advised to take the necessary precautions.

At 10 a.m., Julian's eye or center was located at 850 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan or 800 km east of Casiguran, Aurora.

The severe tropical storm has maximum sustained winds of up to 100 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 125 km/h.

Julian is almost stationary in its current position over the Philippine Sea.

PAGASA said Julian will move northward slowly on Saturday, then accelerate on Sunday before turning northwestward on Monday.

Julian is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday night.

PAGASA advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned to take the necessary precautions.

The next weather update will be released at 4 p.m., and the next severe weather bulletin will be out at 11 p.m. —KG, GMA News