More rains as new storm approaches

MANILA, Philippines - Luzon residents, particularly those in the western section, can expect another rainy week ahead due to Tropical Storm Halong, which is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Halong was spotted at 1,610 kilometers east of Central Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 135 kph.

It was forecast to move west northwest slowly, according to Rene Paciente, senior weather forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Paciente said Halong, which will be locally named Jose once inside the Philippine area of responsibility, was expected to enhance the southwest monsoon.

“It could still intensify into a typhoon before it enters the country. It was expected to exit on Wednesday,” Paciente said.

He said the storm will skirt the country’s northeastern boundary before heading to southern Japan.

Paciente said the southwest monsoon will trigger occasional heavy rains over the western section of Luzon, including Metro Manila and Northern Luzon, beginning Monday.

He said the Visayas and Mindanao will continue to experience good weather next week.

Meanwhile, Paciente said occasional heavy rains will persist over parts of Central Luzon, including Zambales and Bataan, this weekend due to the southwest monsoon, which was being strengthened by Tropical Storm Inday.

Inday exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday and is presently hovering over waters between Eastern China and Korea.

Paciente said the rest of the country will experience good weather this weekend.