Imagery courtesy of the Japanese Meteorological Agency

Expect a rainy week ahead in parts of Luzon and the Visayas as Severe Tropical Storm Carina enhances the southwest monsoon or habagat, weather bureau PAGASA said Monday. 

As of 4 a.m., the center of Severe Tropical Storm Carina was estimated based on all available data at 420 km East of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (17.2°N, 125.7°E). 

Packing 100 kph winds and gusts of up to 125 kph, Carina is forecast to move generally north northwestward to northward until mid-Wednesday (24 July) while gradually accelerating before turning northwestward for the remainder of the forecast period.  

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“On the track forecast, Carina will remain far from the Philippine landmass and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday evening or Thursday early morning (25 July),” the weather bureau said. 

PAGASA weather forecaster Obet Badrina said Carina is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon and may make landfall in Taiwan. The storm is also enhancing the southwest monsoon, which will bring rains in parts of Luzon including Metro Manila.

"Mula ngayong araw hanggang Miyerkoles o Huwebes, magiging maulan po sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon at Visayas lalong lalo na 'yung western section kasama ang Metro Manila," he said. 

Tropical cyclone wind signal 1 is in effect over the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Lal-Lo, Gonzaga) and the northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon).

PAGASA said the extreme northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan is facing 100-200 mm of accumulated rainfall while Babuyan Islands and the eastern portions of mainland Cagayan and Isabela are facing 50-100 mm accumulated rainfall.

The Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Carina will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds):

• July 22: MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Northern Samar, and the northern portion of Samar.

• July 23: Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Visayas

• July 24: Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Visayas.