PAGASA monitoring potential super typhoon ‘Uwan’ to enter PAR this week

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is closely monitoring a potential super typhoon that may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) later this week.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, PAGASA reported that the weather disturbance—currently classified as a tropical depression—was located 1,985 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao. It is moving westward at 20 km/h, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.

Once it enters the PAR, the system will be locally named “Uwan.” PAGASA said the entry could happen by Friday night or Saturday, based on its latest forecast track.

Weather models suggest that the tropical cyclone could intensify into a super typhoon by Sunday, with maximum sustained winds exceeding 185 km/h.

“Although not yet within the forecast range of this advisory, the TC Threat Potential Forecast from PAGASA indicates that the possibility of a landfall scenario over the country is becoming more likely,” the agency said.

“However, the exact landfall location and time remain highly uncertain, considering that the forecast is more than five days ahead,” it added.

Starting Saturday, rough to very rough sea conditions are expected along the northern and eastern seaboards of the country as the weather system moves closer.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Tino continues to affect parts of the Visayas and Luzon, bringing rains and strong winds. PAGASA said Tino is expected to exit the PAR by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.