Weather: Potential cyclone may enter PHL early this week

After a cyclone-free weekend, state weather forecasters are tracking a potential cyclone that they said may enter Philippine territory early this week. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Monday the disturbance may approach from the east and may enhance the southwest monsoon. "Bagyo na halos ito, nasa labas pa rin. May nakahanda na tayong pangalan, matagal na ito. Maaring mamayang gabi o bukas ito papasok (It is almost a cyclone but still outside Philippine territory. We are ready to codename it once it enters Philippine territory, likely Monday night or Tuesday)," PAGASA forecaster Elvie Enriquez said in an interview on dzBB radio. Should the disturbance become a cyclone while inside Philippine territory, it will be locally codenamed “Mina." So far, Enriquez said the disturbance – a low-pressure area – is still in the Pacific area. "It can enhance the southwest monsoon," she said in Filipino. Meanwhile, Enriquez said the southwest monsoon will continue to affect the western part of northern Luzon. She said monsoon rain will fall on these areas. Other parts of the country will also experience scattered and isolated rain, she added. Enriquez also said Metro Manila can expect relatively cool weather due to the monsoon. "Malamig dahil malakas pa ang hangin ng southwest monsoon (The cool winds are due to the winds from the southwest monsoon)," she said. — RSJ, GMA News