Chedeng to enhance habagat, cause rains in west Luzon, Visayas

Typhoon Chedeng remains far from the Philippine landmass as it continues to move north-northwestward, according to state weather bureau PAGASA on Friday evening.

Based on its 11 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of the eye was last seen 885 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. It is heading north-northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour (km/h) and has maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 160 km/h, and central pressure of 975 hPa.

Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 520 km from its center, PAGASA added.

Chedeng will not directly affect the country but will enhance the Southwest Monsoon (habagat), causing rains and winds in several areas.

The enhanced habagat may bring occasional rains over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas in the next three days.

It may likewise trigger gusty conditions over the following areas by Friday evening and Saturday: Metro Manila CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zambales, Bataan, Camiguin, and Dinagat Islands.

The typhoon may further cause moderate to rough seas (2.0 to 3.5 m) over the seaboards of extreme Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of mainland Northern Luzon.

“Mariners of small seacrafts are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea. If inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels, avoid navigating in these conditions,” PAGASA warned.

On the forecast track, Chedeng will remain far from the Philippine landmass. It is forecast to move north-northwestward tonight through Saturday morning before turning generally north-northeastward for the rest of Saturday through Sunday morning.

It will then accelerate northeastward for the remainder of the forecast period and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday. —NB, GMA Integrated News