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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
May 9, 2025 | 12:00am
At a weather briefing yesterday, PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said that thunderstorms will become more frequent.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — With many deaths attributed to lightning strikes across the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued safety tips during thunderstorms as the country transitions to the rainy season.
At a weather briefing yesterday, PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said that thunderstorms will become more frequent.
He said that when there is a thunderstorm, people must go inside an enclosed structure such as a house, mall or car to prevent the direct impact of lightning.
“Since lighting conducts electricity in objects, avoid going near objects like trees, electric posts and scaffoldings. If you are on the beach, avoid going near the shore. If you are on the streets, avoid puddles,” Estareja added.
He said that when inside the house, avoid touching power tools.
“If you are near the sockets, do not go near and avoid touching appliances if necessary,” he noted.
According to Estareja, when in the middle of the plains or fields, avoid standing and raising hands.
“Instead, make sure to be in a squat position and hold both ears. Make sure you do not touch the ground. In case there is lighting, the electricity from the ground will just pass between your feet and will not go up in your body,” Estareja explained.
He said that the low-pressure area (LPA) will continue to bring rains in Southern Luzon, Visayas and northern part of Mindanao.
Estareja said that easterlies will bring humid temperatures for the rest of Luzon and Mindanao.
“The easterlies will produce more moisture that’s why expect thunderstorms especially in the afternoon and in the evening,” Estareja said.
He said that rains are expected in Calabarzon, Bicol and Mimaropa regions.
“For the rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, expect cloudy skies in the afternoon and a high chance of rains in the afternoon and evening,” he added.
He said thunderstorms last for two to three hours.
Estareja said despite the rains, high heat indices were experienced in Luzon, where 46 degrees Celsius was recorded in Cavite City and 45 degrees Celsius in Catarman, Northern Samar on Wednesday.
“For Metro Manila, a 43 degrees Celsius heat index was recorded (on Wednesday),” he said.
Estareja said that based on a four-day forecast from May 9 to May 12, scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue over parts of Southern Luzon and Aurora.
“On Sunday and Monday, rains and thunderstorms will affect extreme Northern Luzon due to the frontal system. The rest of the country has warm weather with isolated showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening,” he said.
