Chedeng maintains strength; enhanced Habagat to bring rains over Luzon, Visayas

Typhoon Chedeng maintained its strength as it moves northward slowly over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA said Saturday.

Chedeng is unlikely to directly bring heavy rainfall over the country in the next 3 days. However, it may enhance the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat which can bring occasional rains in Western portions of Luzon and Visayas, according to PAGASA's 11 a.m. bulletin. 

The hoisting of Wind Signals due to Chedeng is also unlikely, but the enhancement of the Southwest Monsoon over the next three days may bring gusty conditions in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zambales, Bataan, Camiguin, and Dinagat Islands.

CHEDENG will remain far from the Philippine landmass and is forecast to move northward or north northeastward today through tomorrow morning before turning generally northeastward for the rest of tomorrow.

The typhoon is forecast to maintain its strength within the next 12 hours but is expected to weaken by Sunday. 

The center of the eye of Typhoon Chedeng was last spotted 880 km East of Northern Luzon or 840 km East of Extreme Northern Luzon (19.3 °N, 129.9 °E ).

It has maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 185 km/h.

Chedeng may exit Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between tomorrow late evening or early Monday, according to PAGASA.  —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News