Potential typhoon may enter PAR this week

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) — Tropical storm Haikui may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as a typhoon within the week, the state weather bureau said Monday.

In its advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Haikui was last located 2,230 kilometers east of northern Luzon, still outside PAR.

Haikui may reach severe tropical storm category within 36 hours and steadily intensify over the next five days, PAGASA added.

It is seen to become a typhoon before it enters the PAR on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, when it will then be named "Hanna."

PAGASA said according to its current forecast scenario, Haikui is less likely to directly affect the country but it may enhance the southwest monsoon beginning Wednesday or Thursday.

Haikui became a tropical storm on Monday morning while moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph). It was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph.