Two tropical cyclones to persist in PAR on Thursday — PAGASA

Severe Tropical Storm Mekkhala is expected to continue bringing strong winds over several areas as it moves toward its exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday, while Tropical Storm Higos is forecast to enter the PAR the same day, according to the state weather bureau.

Mekkhala, locally named Francisco, remains within the PAR and was located 415 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 a.m. weather bulletin.

The storm has weakened into a severe tropical storm from typhoon strength and is expected to weaken further.

PAGASA said Mekkhala has maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 125 kph.

It is expected to move generally northward before exiting the PAR on Thursday afternoon or evening as it heads toward Japan.

Following Mekkhala’s exit, Tropical Storm Higos is expected to enter the PAR by Thursday evening and will be given the local name Gardo, PAGASA said.

The storm is expected to be short-lived within the PAR, as it is forecast to recurve and exit the monitoring area by Friday morning.

Higos was last located 1,855 kilometers east of Central Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph.

PAGASA said Higos is not expected to directly affect the country and may weaken into a tropical depression within the next 36 hours.

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes, where strong winds are expected within the next 36 hours.

PAGASA warned that the warning signal poses a minimal to minor threat to life and property. — Edg Adrian A. Eva