Thunderstorms hit Metro Manila, nearby provinces

Thunderstorms hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces on Thursday afternoon, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said heavy to torrential rains are being experienced in Metro Manila and the provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, Quezon, Batangas, and Pampanga.

The heavy downpour could persist within the next three hours, it said.

Meanwhile, heavy to torrential rains with lightning and strong winds are expected in the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija within the next three hours.

Pagasa weather specialist Gener Quitlong said a low pressure area has already dissipated, but southwest monsoon or habagat is affecting the weather system. ee