On Friday, July 28, 2023, PAGASA, the Philippine state weather agency, reported that a tropical depression located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has strengthened into a tropical storm. Internationally referred to as Khanun, this weather disturbance will assume the local name Bagyong Falcon once it enters PAR.
Currently positioned 1,315 km east of Eastern Visayas, Tropical Storm Khanun, soon to be Bagyong Falcon, exhibits maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h at its core, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h. It also displays a central pressure of 1000 hPa. At present, it is propelling in a West Southwestward direction at a speed of 15 km/h.
Forecast data suggests that Khanun will escalate in intensity over the next five days. By late Saturday evening or the early hours of Sunday, it is expected to upgrade to a typhoon, reaching peak intensity by late Monday or early Tuesday.
It’s worth noting that this tropical cyclone may boost the Southwest Monsoon, leading to occasional or monsoon rains over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas starting from tomorrow or Sunday.
The weather agency has not yet released Public Storm Signals. However, we will keep you updated on the storm track of Bagyong Falcon as it develops.
Please stay tuned for further updates on this developing weather system and follow all necessary safety precautions. Stay safe, Philippines!
