Super Typhoon Mawar gains strength as it approaches PH

Super Typhoon Mawar has intensified slightly while moving westward over the Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The center of Mawar’s eye was located approximately 1,705 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon as of 10:00 AM on 26 May 2023. PAGASA reports the storm is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 260 kilometers per hour. The typhoon’s central pressure stands at 905 hPa.

The typhoon is moving westward at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 550 kilometers from Mawar’s center.

PAGASA has provided a track and intensity forecast for the coming days:

By 8:00 PM tonight, Mawar is expected to be 1,605 kilometers east of central Luzon, maintaining its current strength and moving west-northwest at 25 kilometers per hour.
By 8:00 AM on 27 May 2023, the typhoon should be 1,225 kilometers east of central Luzon, again maintaining its current intensity and direction.
On the evening of 27 May, Mawar is projected to be 950 kilometers east of central Luzon with a slightly decreased maximum sustained wind speed of 205 kilometers per hour.
By the morning of 28 May, Mawar is expected to be 750 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, continuing to slightly decrease in intensity with maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour.
By the evening of 28 May, the typhoon should be located 580 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour.
On the morning of 29 May, Mawar is predicted to be 455 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan, still maintaining its strength.
By 30 May, the typhoon will be located approximately 210 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds dropping to 165 kilometers per hour.
By 31 May, Mawar is expected to be 270 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, with its maximum sustained winds falling further to 150 kilometers per hour.