PAGASA: Tropical storm 'Infa' located east of Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday said a tropical storm with international name “Infa” was spotted east of Mindanao.

PAGASA forecaster Shelly Ignacio said Infa, traced some 3,580 kilometers east of Mindanao, is too far to affect the country. However, the weather bureau said they are currently monitoring and determining if it will enter the country.

Ignacio since Infa is heading west northwest with speed at 20 kilometers per hour. It is anticipated to go near the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday or Monday.

If the tropical storm enters the country it will be the 13th tropical cyclone so far this year. Infa will be named “Marilyn” upon entry.

Ignacio noted that fair weather continues to prevail in most parts of the country except in Mindanao since there is an Intertropical Convergence Zone affecting its southern part. This brings cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms over Mindanao.

On the other hand, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms on Wednesday.

PAGASA said fisherfolk are safe to venture into the sea since the rest of the country will have light to moderate winds coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas. Northern Luzon will have moderate to strong winds blowing from the east and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.