Typhoon Francisco (international name Mekkhala) strengthens rapidly as it moves over the Philippine Sea, with PAGASA reporting repeated upgrades over a span of days. PAGASA says Francisco begins as a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds around 100–110 kph and gusts up to about 125–135 kph, positioned far east of southeastern Luzon. PAGASA forecasts continued intensification, stating it may reach typhoon category on Sunday as it moves northwestward. By Sunday afternoon, PAGASA reports Francisco intensifies into a typhoon, with maximum sustained winds around 120 kph and gustiness up to about 150 kph, while it remains east of central Luzon within the Philippine area of responsibility.
On Monday, PAGASA reports further rapid strengthening: the typhoon’s maximum sustained winds rise to about 155–175 kph, with gusts up to roughly 190–215 kph, as its track shifts west-northwestward. PAGASA later reports Francisco reaches super typhoon status around Monday evening, with maximum sustained winds of about 185 kph and gustiness up to about 230 kph, located roughly 440–625 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan or about 450 km east of Aparri. Signal No. 1 is reported in parts of Batanes and northeastern Cagayan.
