Manila : The Philippine weather agency said on Sunday that severe tropical storm Francisco is expected to intensify into a typhoon later in the day, although it is unlikely to make a direct landfall in the country.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm was estimated to be 1,315 kilometres east of Luzon and was moving west-northwest at 25 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h and gusts reaching 125 km/h.
PAGASA said Francisco is forecast to remain over the Philippine Sea throughout the forecast period, although it could move closer to the northernmost part of Luzon if its projected track continues to shift westward.
Heavy rainfall associated with the south-west monsoon and the storm is expected to begin from Monday.
