Thunderstorms Expected in Greater Metro Manila as Mawar Strengthens

At 10 AM today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued a thunderstorm watch for the Greater Metro Manila Area (Metro Manila proper, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna). It is anticipated that thunderstorms will intensify within the next 12 hours.

Super typhoon Mawar (international name) has intensified as it approaches the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 230 kph.

As of 3 AM, Pagasa Weather Specialist Benison Estareja reported that Mawar is located 2,150 kilometers east of Southern Luzon. He also added that Mawar will likely strengthen as it enters the PAR on Friday-Saturday.