Sudden rains and thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening is expected to become more frequent this May due to warm weather condition, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.
Rains, winds, and thunderstorms were felt in Metro Manila and nearby areas last week and these occurrences usually lasted about one to two hours.
PAGASA said thunderstorms are normal at this time of the year due to warm weather, making evaporation and condensation processes faster during summer.
It occurs with the rapid upward movement of warm and moist air that cools, condenses, and forms cumulonimbus or thunder clouds.
The activity is often associated with localized or isolated heavy rains or sometimes hail.
While it is still summer, rains will become more frequent as the country nears the onset of rainy season in June, manifested by the transition from easterly winds to southwest monsoon, locally called “hanging habagat.”
Warm weather will likely persist until the first half of May before the expected onset of rainy season.
(Ellalyn B. de Vera)
