MANILA, (PNA) — Tropical depression Paolo has intensified into a tropical storm and has accelerated but is now outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the state weather forecaster said Friday.
PAGASA defines a tropical storm as moderate tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 64 to 118 kph (25 to 75 mph).
Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that as of 4 p.m., tropical storm Paolo with international name Wutip was located at 425 km Northwest of Iba, Zambales (17.4°N, 116.0°E) packed with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
It is forecast to move west northwest at 15 kph.
He said Paolo still remains off the West Philippine Sea outside the country and is headed towards Vietnam.
Despite exiting the country, he noted that tropical storm Paolo will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon that will bring light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas.
Aurelio also said that most parts of the country including Metro Manila will have gradual weather improvement starting Saturday but still expect partly cloudy with isolated rain showers.