What caused intense rains, strong winds in Metro Manila, nearby provinces on Sept. 29
Metro Manila and nearby provinces experienced intense to torrential rains on Monday, Sept. 29, beginning around 11 a.m. and easing after 1 p.m., causing flooding in some areas, particularly in low-lying communities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the rains were caused by localized thunderstorms, which brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning.
The severe thunderstorm affected Metro Manila, and portions of Bulacan, Rizal, Batangas, Quezon, and Zambales, while nearby provinces, including Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bataan, Cavite, and Laguna also recorded heavy rainfall.
PAGASA noted that no low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones were monitored inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility at the time.
Localized thunderstorms can develop quickly, usually lasting up to three hours, and may bring sudden heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, and occasional hail.
PAGASA said easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will remain the dominant weather system across the country, bringing generally fair weather.
However, isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms have a higher chance of occurring this week, which is typical during the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” season.