The latest typhoon bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on the morning of June 21st said that Typhoon Mekkhala has strengthened into a strong tropical storm.
On the morning of June 21, the storm was 1,350km east of southeastern Luzon, Philippines, with sustained winds of 100 km/h, gusts of up to 125 km/h. The storm is moving west at a speed of 25 km/h.
It is forecasted that this storm will continue to strengthen to strong typhoon level in the Philippine Sea and may reach a peak of 165 km/h.
Philippine typhoon forecasters say that Typhoon Mekkhala is expected to reach maximum intensity on June 22 when operating in the Philippine Sea and then weaken.
This storm is forecast not to make landfall but may change direction or shift east towards the Batanes-Babuyan area, Philippines on June 23 and 24.
The low pressure trough of the storm will cause scattered rain in the eastern regions of Visayas and Mindanao this weekend.
From June 21, Typhoon Mekkhala caused the southwest monsoon to operate in the western regions of the country.
Floods and landslides may occur in some areas, especially during prolonged heavy rains.
