Metro Manila and several parts of Luzon are experiencing rains and thunderstorms Thursday morning as the southwest monsoon continues to affect the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 4:00 AM forecast, PAGASA reported that occasional rains are expected over Metro Manila, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique due to the southwest monsoon. These areas are at risk of flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall.

A low-pressure area was also spotted 540 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, as of 3:00 AM.

Meanwhile, the Ilocos Region, Cordillera, parts of Central Luzon and Calabarzon, and portions of Mindanao and the Visayas may experience cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms. The rest of the country may have isolated rainshowers.

As of 6:00 AM, PAGASA issued Thunderstorm Advisory No. 26, warning of moderate to heavy rain with lightning and strong winds over Bulacan, Cavite, Zambales, Bataan, Laguna, and Pampanga. These conditions are currently affecting parts of Metro Manila and Rizal and may persist for the next two hours.

Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures against possible flooding and landslides. Further updates are expected throughout the day.