Typhoon Inday, monsoon to bring more rain

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Inday and the southwest monsoon will bring rains over many parts of Luzon today, as the tropical cyclone is expected to further intensify while inside the Philippine area of responsibility.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Inday is not likely to directly bring heavy rains but its trough will affect some parts of the country.

Further intensification is expected until today or tomorrow as Inday tracks over the Philippine Sea.

PAGASA said scattered rainshowers are expected over Batanes and Babuyan Islands due to Inday.

The typhoon will also enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over western sections of Southern Luzon and the Visayas.

Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan and Zambales can expect scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to the monsoon.

The hoisting of tropical cyclone wind signals is not yet likely, but a westward shift in the typhoon’s track forecast may raise wind signals over portions of extreme Northern Luzon.

Inday – international name Muifa – was estimated at around 395 kms. east of Itbayat, Batanes as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center, and gustiness of up to 160 km/h while moving northwestward.

On the forecast track, Inday may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by late Tuesday or Wednesday and may weaken as it traverses the slightly cooler waters of Taiwan.