MANILA -- Typhoon Yutu gained strength as it approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but is not expected to make landfall in the country, the weather bureau said Wednesday.
In its 4 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Yutu" was last spotted 2,555 kilometers east northeast of Visayas.
"Yutu" packs maximum sustained winds of up to 160 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph.
PAGASA weather specialist Ariel Rojas said "Yutu", moving west northwest at 20 kph, is expected to gain strength before entering the country either on Saturday or Sunday.
The typhoon will be given the local name "Rosita" once it enters PAR.
Meanwhile, an inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is affecting Mindanao.
Davao Region and South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani plus General Santos City (SOCCSKSARGEN) will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the ITCZ.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy, to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.
Temperature in Metro Manila ranges from 23-32 degrees Celsius; Tuguegarao City 22-31 degrees Celsius; Baguio City 14-23 degrees Celsius; Angeles City 24-33 degrees Celsius; Lipa City 24-33 degrees Celsius; Metro Cebu 25-32 degrees Celsius; and Metro Davao 25-43 degrees Celsius. (PNA)
