MANILA – Tropical Storm ‘Soulik’ expected Wednesday

A tropical storm (international name “Soulik”) could enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday morning, the state weather bureau said.
In its Twitter account, PAGASA said that as of 10 a.m. Monday, tropical storm Soulik was estimated at 2,140 km east of Basco, Batanes (19.1˚N, 145.1˚E), outside the eastern boundary of the PAR.
PAGASA said that Soulik packs a maximum sustained winds of 65 kph with gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move west at 20 kph.
The weather agency added that it is expected to enter the PAR on Wednesday morning and will not have any direct effect on any part of the country within the next two days.
However, Soulik will enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains on the western part of the country by Thursday, PAGASA said.
Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz said that once the cyclone enters the PAR, it will be named “Huaning” – the first cyclone to visit the country this month and the eight for the year.
The state weather bureau expects two to three storms to affect the country this month. (PNA)