MANILA, Philippines — Moderate to sometimes heavy rainfall and lightning strikes experienced in Metro Manila and nearby provinces were brought by localized thunderstorms and low-pressure areas east of the country, state meteorologists explained on Wednesday.
According to the latest weather updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), thunderstorm activity was spotted all over the National Capital Region and areas in Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and some parts of Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, and Quezon Province.
Pagasa said wind gusts may also be experienced in the following areas mentioned. Residents in the area are warned to take precautionary measures, especially for those living in low-lying areas and near slopes as rains may persist in the coming hours.
No tropical cyclone is currently being monitored near the country except for Severe Tropical Storm Dolphin (formerly Marce), which continues to move away from the country. However, the two low-pressure areas (LPA) inside the Philippine area of responsibility remains to have an effect on local weather.
One of the LPAs was located 575 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, while the other was last seen 470 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar. Pagasa noted that the combined effects of the LPA, and a slightly weak southwest monsoon contributes to the rainy weather in the said areas, plus parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
While both LPAs have a low chance of developing into a tropical storm within 24 hours, Pagasa assured the public that they would continue monitoring the situation.
Pagasa says cloudy skies should be expected for Thursday, despite warm temperatures in Legazpi and Tuguegarao with 24 to 33 degrees Celsius, and Metro Manila’s 24 to 32 degrees.
Temperature ranges for Visayas and Mindanao are not too different, with Cebu and Tacloban expecting around 25 to 32 degrees Celsius and 26 to 34 degrees for Davao City. [ac]