'Maysak' to enter PH tonight or tomorrow - PAGASA

MANILA - Despite the termination of the northeast monsoon, which heralds the beginning of the hot and dry season in the Philippines, the first few days of April will be rainy due to the incoming Typhoon Maysak. The said cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility tonight or Thursday early morning.Last estimated at 1,165 kms east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, it continues to move in a west-northwest direction at 20 kph.Once it crosses the PAR line, it will be given the local name 'Chedeng'.Maintaining its typhoon category, Maysak packs maximum winds of 190 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 225 kph.While the cyclone moves closer the archipelago, it has slightly weakened due to the vertical wind shear, characterized by light winds in the upper atmosphere, and the cold wind intrusion or cold winds from the northeast monsoon that directly enters the circulation of the storm.Despite the possible weakening of the cyclone, do not be lenient on your preparations as it is still a strong bagyo with typhoon intensity.In an interview with PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong says that within a 700-kilometer radius, Maysak's cone of probability shows possible landfalling along the Northern and Central Luzon areas.If Chedeng maintains its current speed and direction, PAGASA may raise public storm warning signals by tomorrow afternoon or evening.Today, the typhoon is still too far to affect any part of the country. In Northern Luzon, the ridge of high pressure area brings partly cloudy skies over the regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos. The remaining parts of the country, including Metro Manila, will experience fair weather conditions apart from possible thunderstorms.However, come tomorrow, Maundy Thursday, the outer clouds of the typhoon will reach the eastern sections of Luzon and will bring rains. On Good Friday, most of Luzon will experience light to moderate rains as the cyclone continues to move closer to land. This weekend, aside from rains, Luzon will also experience gusty winds generated by Maysak.In the current forecast run, Maysak may exit the country's area of responsibility by Tuesday or Wednesday next week.However, factors may change the strength and movement of Maysak so everyone are advised to monitor weather updates.Public officials also remind province-bound citizens this Lenten season, especially those flying or travelling by ship, to leave the Metro as soon as possible to avoid being stranded in the terminals and ports.