PAGASA: Heavy rains in Metro Manila due to cold front

Heavy rains that hit parts of Metro Manila Thursday are not due to a cyclone, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. PAGASA forecaster Robert Sawi said the rains were caused by a cold front affecting Northern and Central Luzon. "Wala po. (Yan ay dahil sa) cold front, ang weather system na mino-monitor natin (There is no cyclone. The rains are due to a cold front, which is the weather system we are now monitoring)," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. Reports on dzBB radio indicated rains in many parts of Metro Manila at noon Thursday, with near-zero visibility reported in parts of Quezon City. Earlier, PAGASA warned of cloudy skies and rains caused by the cold front, including possible flash floods and landslides in the eastern part of Luzon. However, Sawi said that despite the cold weather, there may be cyclones that will pass through Philippine territory before the year ends. "Meron, mas malakas pa ang bagyong darating (There will be cyclones before yearend and they will be more powerful)," he said. — RSJ, GMANews.TV