Rainfall alert raised over Metro Manila, nearby provinces

The public in Metro Manila and nearby provinces was warned of heavy rain, strong winds, lightning and possible flashfloods due to thunderstorms Wednesday morning.

As of 8 a.m., thunderstorms were affecting Metro Manila (Manila, Pasay, Taguig, Camanava), Cavite (Ternate, Maragondon, Alfonso, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo), Rizal and portions of Bulacan, Bataan, Batangas, Zambales, said the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Heavy rain are expected to persist in these areas for the next two hours, according to Pagasa’s rainfall warning issued at 7:17 a.m.

Also, thunderstorms are forecast over Pampanga, Tarlac and other areas of Cavite and Metro Manila in the next two hours.

Light to moderate rain affecting Tarlac and Pampanga may also persist for two hours, Pagasa said.

The wet weather is due to the southwest monsoon or habagat, which is expected to be enhanced by Typhoon Falcon (international name Chan-hom), which has entered the Philippine area of responsibility late Tuesday, according to the weather bureau.

As of 4 a.m., Wednesday, Falcon was placed 1,330 kilometers east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan.