MANILA -- Some cloudiness and showers are possible from Palm Sunday to Holy Wednesday in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, offering a respite from the expected heat in these major urban centers.
Partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with rain showers and/or thunderstorms may occur in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu during the forecast period, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its outlook released Saturday.
PAGASA forecasts the same for Metro Davao until Holy Tuesday but expects cloudy skies with rain showers and/or thunderstorms in the area on Holy Wednesday.
“The Philippines is a tropical country so the chance for thunderstorms is high,” PAGASA weather forecaster, Raymond Ordinario, said.
He reiterated that some thunderstorms that strike the country can be severe, triggering flash floods and urban flooding.
According to PAGASA, maximum temperature in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao can reach 34 degrees Celsius during the forecast period.
“That’s the normal maximum temperature this time of the year,” Ordinario noted.
He, however, said that bouts of cloudiness and showers that PAGASA forecast from Palm Sunday to Holy Wednesday can help ease discomfort from the heat expected in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.
The Holy Week, a major annual religious observance in predominantly Catholic Philippines, starts on Palm Sunday when Catholics commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem by having their woven palm fronds or "palaspas" blessed in church before bringing them home.
Easter Sunday is the culmination of Holy Week.
During Holy Week, devotees join processions, watch passion plays, and visit churches. (PNA)
