Tropical depression outside PAR intensifies into tropical storm

Metro Manila, July 28 ----- The tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) intensifies into a tropical storm, the state weather bureau reported early Friday morning. In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the storm was last spotted 1,315 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. The cyclone is expected to enter PAR region between Saturday late evening and Sunday morning and will be named "Falcon."

PAGASA said the storm is moving west southwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph) and is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. The bureau said it is forecast to continuously intensify within the next five days and may develop into a typhoon during the weekend. The storm is expected to reach its peak intensity by late Monday or early Tuesday.

PAGASA, however, said hoisting of wind signals over any region in the country is unlikely. Speaking to CNN Philippines' New Day, PAGASA weather forecaster Rhea Torres said the weather system has a low chance of making landfall or have a direct effect on the country's weather condition. However, it is still expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, or habagat, which will bring rains over parts of the country.

Source: cnnphilippines.com