Weather TALK [forecasts, etc]

[Monseratto]

Typhoon track is moving more northward...

Possible super typhoon may hit PHL on Thursday
By EARL VICTOR L. ROSERO, GMA NewsNovember 5, 2013 7:25am


Weather forecasters have advised residents of the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions to prepare for a cyclone approaching from the east that may have the makings of a super typhoon.

The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center said Tuesday morning that the cyclone, internationally codenamed Haiyan, may grow progressively more powerful until at least Nov. 7, Thursday.

On Tuesday morning CNN made a forecast that Haiyan could be at super typhoon strength by the time it strikes the central Philippines. The CNN forecast said the super typhoon could hit the Bicol region.

GMA News' resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz shared with GMA News Online on Tuesday that as early as now, disaster preparedness officials must advise residents of Bicol and Eastern Visayas that Haiyan could hit their areas at typhoon strength at the very least.

PAGASA defines a super typhoon as one having maximum winds greater than 200 kph.

Cruz said the coming cyclone is expected to be a typhoon by the time it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

He added that "the crucial period to monitor is that time frame before the typhoon makes landfall."

Cruz explained that in coming forecasts, weather conditions could change "that could either make the cyclone stronger or weaker." He noted though that current forecasts show the cyclone gaining strength and may become a super typhoon.

GMA News' resident meteorologist said the cyclone could weaken "if the cold and dry winds of the northeast monsoon interact with the typhoon." Cruz said the amihan winds will have the effect of cooling down the typhoon, which draws its strength from warm water and winds.