Francisco intensifies into typhoon; trough to bring rains over Bicol

Severe Tropical Storm Typhoon Francisco intensified into a typhoon on Sunday afternoon as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that its trough could bring cloudy skies, scattered rains and thunderstorms over the Bicol Region on Monday.

As of 5 p.m., Francisco was located 1,170 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 135 kph.

The typhoon was moving west-northwestward at 25 kph.

“Francisco is less likely to directly affect the weather conditions in the country today. However, the onset of heavy rains due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon is possible beginning tomorrow (June 22),” PAGASA said.

The weather bureau said the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Mindanao, the Visayas and Palawan.

PAGASA added that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over some areas in the northern and eastern portions of Cagayan, the Babuyan Islands, and Batanes by Monday morning.

“Francisco will likely remain over the Philippine Sea throughout the forecast period. However, a closer approach to Extreme Northern Luzon is not ruled out should the forecast track continue to shift westward.

Francisco will move west-northwestward until Tuesday (June 23), then decelerate as it moves generally northward for the rest of the forecast period,” PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, localized thunderstorms may bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to heavy rains and severe thunderstorms.

Based on data from the PAGASA Weather Station in Science Garden, Diliman, Quezon City, the maximum temperature reached 35.0°C at 2 p.m., while the minimum dropped to 26.6°C at 5 a.m.

Sunset is expected at 6:28 p.m. on Sunday, while sunrise on Monday is forecast at 5:28 a.m.—MCG, GMA News