Fabian out but rains to continue

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical Depression Fabian left the country yesterday but the state weather bureau said rains will still affect the western section of Luzon this weekend due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Fabian will continue to strengthen the southwest monsoon that will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over the western section of Luzon, particularly Palawan.

The agency advised fishermen, especially those using small seacraft, not to venture into the western seaboard of Luzon due to big waves generated by the weather disturbance.

As of 4 a.m. yesterday, Fabian was spotted at 340 kilometers west of Laoag, Ilocos Norte with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center.

It was forecast to move north-northwest at 11 kph.

Fabian is predicted to be 500 km west of Calayan, Cagayan this morning.

Fabian was the sixth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year and the third weather disturbance this month.

PAGASA said the provinces of Bataan, Zambales and the regions of Ilocos and Mimaropa will still experience monsoon rains today.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country, meanwhile, will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms.