'Kabayan' may stay until Wednesday; rainy weekend looms

A rainy weekend looms over Metro Manila and parts of Western Luzon due to monsoon rains triggered by tropical storm “Kabayan" (Muifa), the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Saturday. PAGASA forecaster Ricky Fabregas said Kabayan is likely to stay until at least Wednesday, as a high-pressure area is slowing its exit from Philippine territory. “Kung pagbabasehan natin ang ikinikilos niya, sa darating na Miyerkules maaring lumabas na ito sa Philippine area of responsibility. Meron kasing high-pressure area sa itaas nito, yan ang dahilan bakit mabagal ang pagkilos nito," Fabregas said in an interview on dzBB radio early Saturday. Fabregas said Metro Manila and parts of Western Luzon can expect rains, with Kabayan enhancing the southwest monsoon as it continues to move north. As of 2 a.m. Saturday, PAGASA said Kabayan was estimated at 870 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes. It packed maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph and is forecast to move north at 17 kph. By Saturday evening it is expected to be 870 km east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora. By Sunday evening it is expected to be 860 km east of Basco, Batanes. By Monday evening, it is forecast to be 895 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes. “The western section of Luzon will experience monsoon rains while the rest of the country will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms," PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. bulletin. Meanwhile, Fabregas said state weather forecasters are monitoring a new low-pressure area or potential cyclone approaching the Philippines, but he added, “Mahina itong LPA na ito." — LBG, GMA News