Southwest Monsoon triggers heavy rains, suspends classes in Metro Manila, other provinces

The Southwest Monsoon is bringing heavy to intense rainfall to Metro Manila and several provinces, with PAGASA forecasting up to 200 millimeters of rain from Monday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon in Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, and Rizal.

Heavy to intense rain is expected to persist in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, and Occidental Mindoro from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon.

From Wednesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro are expected to experience heavy to intense rainfall.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for various other areas across Luzon and parts of the Visayas from Monday to Wednesday.

Classes in all levels and government work in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan were suspended effective 1 p.m. on Monday.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also suspended Metro Manila's number coding scheme due to the heavy rains and resulting floods.

Some parts of the capital region are experiencing floods, stranding motorists and commuters.

PAGASA is monitoring a Low Pressure Area (LPA) spotted 1,140 km east of southeastern Luzon, which has a medium potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.