PAGASA: Huge swath of PH had 'above normal rainfall' in March

A huge swath of the country received above normal rainfall last month even without typhoons entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), weather bureau PAGASA said.

Citing data from PAGASA, a Tuesday “Unang Balita” report said a large part of the country experienced above normal rainfall from March 1 to March 31 while several areas also had near normal rainfall.

The rains were brought about by various weather systems, including the northeast monsoon (Amihan), easterlies, and the shear line, according to PAGASA.

No low-pressure area or tropical cyclone has been monitored inside PAR so far, the report added.

However, heavy rains triggered by the thunderstorms caused flooding over parts of Visayas and Mindanao on Monday.

Raging water came from a mountain in a portion of Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental. The strong current also damaged a road.

Floodwaters also entered several houses in Glan, Sarangani.

Meanwhile, a portion of a backhoe was submerged after the water level in the river elevated in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.

Despite the rains in parts of the country, hot weather is expected to persist in some areas.

The heat index in Dagupan, Pangasinan reached 48 degrees celsius on Monday. Forecasts show that the highest heat index could reach up to 46 degrees Celsius, also in Dagupan, on Tuesday. —Sundy Locus/ VAL, GMA Integrated News