'Chedeng' now a tropical storm, may soon turn into typhoon

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) — "Chedeng" has intensified into a tropical storm and may be upgraded to typhoon category by Thursday, the state weather bureau reported Tuesday evening.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Chedeng is forecast to gain more strength in the next three to four days and may turn into a severe tropical storm Wednesday.

"Rapid intensification is not ruled out. Peak intensity may be reached by Friday or Saturday," PAGASA added.

The tropical cyclone was last spotted 1,145 kilometers East of Southeastern Luzon, moving North Northwestward over the Philippine Sea.

Chedeng's maximum sustained winds intensified from 55 kilometers per hour (kph) to 65 kph and gustiness from up to 70 kph to 80 kph.

PAGASA said Chedeng is unlikely to directly bring heavy rainfall over any portion of the country in the next three to five days. Raising of wind signals is also unlikely.

Chedeng is likewise expected to remain far from the country's landmass throughout the weekend, but it may enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat.

Chedeng is the third storm to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year after Super Typhoon Betty hit the country last month.

PAGASA earlier said it expects 11 to 14 tropical cyclones to enter the country's weather monitoring area from June to November.