Despite the continuous intense heat in most parts of the country, the occurrence of more frequent isolated thunderstorms are possible as the rainy season nears, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday.

The state weather bureau noted that thunderstorms are more likely to happen in the afternoon and early evenings.

“Weather in Metro Manila and most parts of Luzon will be generally fair, with intense heat and humidity, especially from noon to afternoon, and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening,” PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said.

Last Sunday, the two highest temperatures recorded was in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and Subic Bay International Airport with 37.5ºC and 36.2ºC, respectively.

The highest heat index was recorded in Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan and Cavite which reached 44ºC.

The low-pressure area which caused rains in Mindanao and Visayas region over the weekend has already emerged over the West Philippine Sea.

As of 2 p.m., it was last spotted at 535 kilometers, west northwest of Coron, Palawan, the weather system’s chance of developing into a tropical cyclone remains low.

Dominguez said that the LPA is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility, but it is also forecasted to dissipate given the unfavorable weather conditions.

In Palawan, localized thunderstorms are still expected to persist, which will be brought by the trough of the low-pressure area.

Based on the state weather bureau’s climatological record, at least one to two storms are expected to form this May.