Typhoon Francisco intensifies; heavy rain forecast over parts of Luzon, Visayas

Typhoon Francisco has intensified as it continues to make its way north-northwest over the Philippine Sea, with "heavy rain" forecast for parts of Luzon and Visayas due to the storm and the Southwest Monsoon.

In its 11 p.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, PAGASA said that the center of Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) was estimated to be about 875 km east of Central Luzon, moving west-northwest at 25 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 160 km/h.

"Francisco is less likely to directly affect the weather conditions in the country today," the bulletin said.

However, it added, the effects of Francisco and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat may lead to the onset of heavy rains beginning Monday or Tuesday. "A Weather Advisory may be issued tomorrow in anticipation of the heavy rains over Northern Luzon and some areas in the western portions of Luzon and Visayas," the state weather bureau said.

"It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still be experienced in localities outside the forecast confidence cone," it added.

No wind signals have been hoisted over any area as a result of the storm, but PAGASA warned that Signal No.1 could be hoisted by Monday morning over the northern and eastern portions of Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, and Batanes, based on the storm's forecast track.

The Southwest Monsoon is also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts to the following areas, especially their coastal parts:

• Sunday: Siquijor, Camiguin, the southern portion of Bohol, Southern Leyte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Sarangani.
• Monday: La Union, Pangasinan, CALABARZON, Romblon, Masbate, most of Visayas, Basilan, Sulu, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, the eastern portion of Davao Occidental, and the eastern and southern portions of Davao Oriental.

— BM, GMA News