Tropical storm outside PAR slightly intensifies, may enhance southwest monsoon

Tropical storm Nanmadol, which remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), has slightly intensified while moving slowly northeastward, PAGASA said Wednesday.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Nanmadol is seen to remain far from the Philippine landmass and not directly affect the weather condition in the country.

However, it may enhance the southwest monsoon or Habagat, which may rains over the western sections of Southern Luzon and Visayas beginning Wednesday or Thursday.

Based on the track forecast, it may enter the PAR region on Thursday evening or Friday morning, which will be given the domestic name Josie.

"Improving environmental conditions by tomorrow will enable the tropical cyclone to further intensify. Current forecast scenario shows that this tropical cyclone will enter the PAR as a typhoon," PAGASA said.

As of 10 a.m., the center of Nanmadol was estimated based on all available data at 1,930 km east of extreme Northern Luzon. It was northeastward slowly, with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 90 km/h, and central pressure of 994 hPa.

Nanmadol has strong to gale-force winds extending outwards up to 380 km from the center. —KBK, GMA News