Tropical depression Chedeng is now a Tropical storm and has further intensified as it navigates the Philippine Sea east of Southeastern Luzon, the state weather bureau reported on Wednesday morning.
In its 5 AM bulletin, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said TS Chedeng, also known by its international name Guchol, was last seen 1,060 km East of Southeastern Luzon packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and a gust of up to 90 km/h.
It is moving west-northwestward at a speed of 10 km/h and is expected to move northwestward or west-northwestward from Wednesday to mid-Friday and northward or north-northeastward for the rest of Friday through the weekend.
But the state weather bureau said TS Chedeng will remain far from the Philippine landmass throughout the forecast period.
PAGASA said TS Chedeng may develop into a severe tropical storm category on Wednesday night or Thursday and into a typhoon on Thursday.
“Rapid intensification is not ruled out. Peak intensity may be reached by Friday or Saturday,” the state weather bureau noted.
Heavy rainfall, Severe winds
According to PAGASA, TS Chedeng is unlikely to bring heavy rains over some parts in the next three to five days, and the southeast monsoon is presently affecting the country.
But it noted that although the southeast monsoon may be strengthened due to the tropical storm, the timing and intensity of monsoon rains over the country, especially in the western portion may still change.
The state weather bureau said hoisting Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals is unlikely.
"As such, the public is advised to continue monitoring for updates regarding the possible enhancement of the Southwest Monsoon," PAGASA said.
