The tropical storm predicted to become a severe typhoon is unlikely to make landfall in the country but will probably affect weather conditions by enhancing the southwest monsoon.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the tropical storm with the international codename Mawar is seen 2,300 kilometers east of the Visayas region.

With maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of 190 kph, Mawar is predicted by international weather agencies to be the “strongest in 20 years.”

It will be named Betty when it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

“Ngunit dahil sa kalakasan po nito ay ma-e-enhance po nito ang hanging habagat kaya asahan po natin may mga pag-ulan tayong mararanasan or mataas po yung tsansang may pag-ulan tayo lalong -lalo na sa western section ng Visayas and Mindanao area,” said Rhea Torres of PAGASA.

Metro Manila will have cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms, while Palawan may expect scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.