Fabian maintains strength; may enhance monsoon before Monday PAR exit

Tropical depression Fabian maintained its strength while moving generally northwestward over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA announced Friday evening.

In its 11 p.m. severe weather bulletin, the weather agency maintained that Fabian is unlikely to directly affect the weather condition and bring heavy rainfall throughout the forecast period.

Despite this, PAGASA said Fabian’s passage may enhance the southwest monsoon and bring monsoon rains over Metro Manila, Western Visayas, MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, Bataan, and Zambales starting Sunday.

The hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals also remains unlikely.

As of 10 p.m., the center of Fabian was estimated at 1,395 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

It is moving northward at 15 kph.

PAGASA said Fabian may temporarily leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday and then re-enter by Sunday morning.

It is expected to exit the PAR by Monday evening.

Fabian is also expected to gradually intensify and may become a tropical storm within 24 hours.

The next severe weather bulletin is set to be issued at 5 a.m. on Saturday. — DVM, GMA News