Thunderstorms provide respite from Metro heat

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy downpour was reported in various parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces yesterday afternoon, providing some relief to residents from the sweltering heat in the past weeks.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said thunderstorms were experienced in Quezon City and Caloocan City; Candaba, San Luis, San Simon, Apalit, Pampanga; Magallanes, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Maragondon, Cavite; General Tinio, Peñaranda, Gapan, Nueva Ecija; San Mateo, Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, Quezon and Batangas.

Thunderstorms usually bring heavy rains with lightning and strong winds.

Ana Liza Solis, chief of PAGASA’s Climate Impact Monitoring and Prediction Section, said the occurrence of thunderstorms during the dry season is normal.

She said when the land surface becomes too hot, it triggers strong evaporation and cloud formation that brings rain.

The weather bureau recorded the highest heat index in Metro Manila yesterday at 43.7 degrees Celsius. Heat index refers to the temperature as felt by the human body.

The heat index was registered at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City at 2 p.m.