MODERATE to occasionally intense rainfall is expected in several parts of Luzon this Friday due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and the low-pressure area near Batanes. Photo courtesy of PAGASA
NATION

Monsoon rains prompt class suspension in Metro Manila, nearby provinces

Aljon Danniell Eguia

Continuous rainfall since Wednesday night pushed several cities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to cancel face-to-face classes and shift to asynchronous mode.

In Metro Manila, most of the cities cancelled in-person classes for their afternoon shifts since the placement of the region under a Yellow Rainfall Warning.

Cavite also suspended its classes at all levels, while only selected cities in Laguna and Rizal have announced class suspensions.

Based on the 5:00 p.m. advisory by PAGASA, Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales are under a Yellow Rainfall Warning due to the southwest monsoon.

As of 2:00 PM on Thursday, the low-pressure area was last located over the coastal waters of Sabtang, Batanes.

It has a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

According to Weather Specialist Benison Estareja, the low-pressure area will slowly drift northeastward, away from Batanes, this weekend.

Estareja added that most parts of Luzon are forecast to experience generally rainy weather this Friday due to the combined effects of the low-pressure area and the southwest monsoon.

According to the 24-hour rainfall forecast issued by PAGASA, heavy to intense rainfall is likely over Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan.

Moderate to heavy rains are expected over Batanes, Cagayan, the Cordillera Region, the remaining parts of Ilocos Region, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon Region, and Occidental Mindoro.

At least two to three tropical cyclones are expected to form in the country this July.