Heavy Rainfall Expected in Metro Manila and Nearby Provinces

Heavy rainfall is expected in Metro Manila and nearby provinces on Wednesday, July 23, as the enhanced southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, combines with a low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), sources said. This weather setup will bring widespread heavy rains and possible flooding in many parts of the country.

The Philippine weather bureau’s 5 a.m. rainfall outlook forecasts intense to torrential rain exceeding 200 millimeters over Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. “Widespread incidents of severe flooding and landslides [are] expected,” local authorities noted.

Areas Facing Heavy to Intense Rainfall

Heavy rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 millimeters is predicted over Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and Rizal. Numerous flooding events are likely, especially in urbanized, low-lying, or river-adjacent areas. Landslides may occur in zones classified as moderate to highly susceptible.

Regions with Moderate to Heavy Rainfall Forecast

Moderate to heavy rain, with 50 to 100 millimeters expected, will affect La Union, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Antique, and Iloilo. Additionally, the same rainfall range is forecast for Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and Kalinga due to the LPA.

Localized flooding remains possible primarily in urban, low-lying, or riverine communities according to sources.

Low-Pressure Area Development and Tropical Depression Update

The LPA was last detected over the coastal waters of Calayan, Cagayan, and has a high probability of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours. Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Dante, located about 880 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon, is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours.

Dante currently maintains maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 70 kph, moving northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour.

Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding and landslides as the habagat and LPA bring worsening weather conditions.

Heavy Rainfall Expected in Metro Manila and Nearby Provinces