Florita leaves; another cyclone to enter Phl

Tropical Storm Florita left the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday, but another cyclone may enter the country, according to the state weather bureau.

Aldczar Aurelio, senior weather specialist at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said a new low-pressure area was spotted east of the country and is expected to enter this week.

Aurelio said the southwest monsoon would continue to bring scattered rains over Zambales, Bataan, Palawan, Mindoro, Romblon and Western Visayas in the next few days.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

As of 3 a.m. yesterday, Florita (international name Prapiroon) was spotted 825 kilometers northeast of extreme Northern Luzon.

Florita packed winds of 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 130 kph. It was forecast to move north at 15 kph.

PAGASA said two to four cyclones are forecast to enter the country this month.