MANILA – A typhoon east of Central Luzon is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 4 a.m. advisory Saturday, the typhoon, which has the international name Maria, was last spotted 2,005 kilometers east of Central Luzon.

Maria was packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 225 kph. It was moving northwest at 10 kph.

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Speaking to radio DZMM, weather forecaster Lorie Dela Cruz said the typhoon is not expected to make landfall, but will enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat.

Habagat is currently affecting Metro Manila, Visayas, and the western section of Luzon.

Cloudy skies and isolated rains will be experienced over the rest of the country.

Maria is expected to strengthen as it moves towards China and Japan.

Visit the ABS-CBN Weather Center for the latest weather updates.

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