Typhoon Choi-Wan Intensifies Over Pacific as Rains Hit Visayas and Mindanao

Typhoon Choi-Wan intensified over the Pacific Ocean on the night of October 2, the Philippine weather bureau PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. bulletin on Saturday, October 3. The typhoon remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is not expected to enter it, but its trough is already bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms to the Visayas and Mindanao, with the wet spell forecast to continue through the weekend.

Typhoon Choi-Wan’s Status and Track

PAGASA’s weather specialist Leanne Loreto reported that Typhoon Choi-Wan strengthened overnight while moving across the Pacific. Its center was last located 2,430 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, far from Philippine territory.

The typhoon is currently moving north at about 10 km/h. PAGASA noted it may head toward Japan, and because it remains far away and is not expected to enter PAR, the agency said the storm will not directly affect the Philippines.

Rains Across the Visayas and Mindanao

Although Typhoon Choi-Wan stays far from the country, its trough — the extension of the storm system — is directly affecting the Visayas and Mindanao. PAGASA forecast cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms today over Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and all of Mindanao.

In its earlier 4 a.m. bulletin on October 2, PAGASA warned that moderate to heavy rainfall driven by the storm’s extension could trigger flash floods and landslides in Mindanao, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and the Negros Island Region. Residents in vulnerable communities were advised to stay vigilant and monitor official weather updates.

Regional Outlook at a Glance

Conditions Elsewhere in the Country

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will see generally fair weather with partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with brief isolated rainshowers from localized thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Tuguegarao could reach up to 35°C, while Metro Manila will range between 24 and 32°C. PAGASA raised no gale warning, and light to moderate winds with slight to moderate seas are expected across the country.

Habagat Nearing Its End

PAGASA also signaled that the Southwest Monsoon, or habagat, is showing signs of ending soon, with rains already decreasing in the western part of the country. The agency said it may declare the termination of the habagat within the next few days, which would also mark the end of the rainy season. After that, the country will transition toward the amihan, or Northeast Monsoon, shifting rains from the western to the eastern section of the country. For continuing coverage of weather and major events across the region, readers can visit the Asia news section on Watan News’ main site.

Conclusion

Typhoon Choi-Wan is intensifying far out over the Pacific and poses no direct threat to the Philippines, but its reach is being felt through rains and thunderstorms across the Visayas and Mindanao that will persist through the weekend. PAGASA urged the public, especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas, to monitor official updates and take precautions during heavy downpours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Typhoon Choi-Wan going to enter the Philippines?

No. PAGASA says the typhoon remains about 2,430 km east of Northern Luzon, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and is not expected to enter it.

Where are rains expected in the Philippines?

Scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecast over Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Mindanao due to the typhoon’s trough, with conditions possibly lasting through Sunday.

What should residents in affected areas do?

PAGASA advised residents in high-risk areas to stay vigilant, monitor official weather updates on panahon.gov.ph or the Panahon mobile app, and prepare for possible flash floods and landslides during heavy rainfall.