PAGASA warns of scorching heat in May

MANILA, Philippines — Temperatures could soar to 39.8 degrees Celsius in May, weather forecasters warned, with the heat index – the apparent temperature felt by the human body – possibly hitting 48 to 50 degrees in the latter part of April to the first week of May, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned yesterday, and may cause afflictions such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

While this year’s dry season is not expected to reach record-breaking temperatures like last year, the heat index may still hit 48 to 50 degrees Celsius between late April and the first week of May, according to PAGASA assistant weather services chief Ana Liza Solis.

The hottest temperature is normally recorded in the Northern Luzon area, particularly in Cagayan Valley, the weather official said.

“That’s (late April to early May) when we experience a slightly warmer temperature, around 39.6 or 39.8 degrees Celsius,” Solis said at a Palace press briefing.

While warm temperatures have already been experienced in some parts of the country in the past weeks, PAGASA has not officially declared the onset of the dry season.

Solis explained the northeast monsoon – a weather system associated with cool and dry air – is still prevailing in the country.

She said this year’s dry season is not expected to hit extreme levels compared to 2024, when the country experienced a strong El Niño.

“Our dry season was hotter last year compared to now, because we had a strong El Niño and record-breaking temperatures and high heat index,” Solis said.

PAGASA has so far not predicted the maximum daytime temperature hitting 40 degrees Celsius this year, she said.

However, an extreme heat index of 52 degrees Celsius may still occur, but for a very brief time and not on a widespread scale, Solis added.

Several local government units, including in Metro Manila, cancelled classes last week due to the projected danger-level heat index in the afternoon.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition earlier pushed for region-wide suspension of classes when PAGASA reports danger-level heat warnings.

Meanwhile, around 16 to 19 tropical cyclones are expected to enter the country this year, Solis said.

Week’s forecast

The public can expect improved weather conditions starting today after rains were experienced in many areas in the country, PAGASA said yesterday.

In a radio interview, PAGASA weather specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda said the official dry season is expected to be declared in mid-March or in the third week of the month, and advised the public on ways to prepare for higher temperatures.

“Heavy activities should be done in the early morning or early afternoon, as the heat of the sun is dangerous at noon, especially to the vulnerable sectors (seniors, children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities). Heat stroke, heat stress and heat cramps are possible, so take extra precaution, stay hydrated and drink a lot of water,” Jorda said.

She said warm temperature is expected, with improved weather following rains brought by the shear line or the convergence of cool and warm winds.

“Last week, the northeast monsoon persisted, as well as the shear line or the convergence of amihan (northeast monsoon) and the easterlies. Rains were experienced in a big portion of Southern Luzon in the past few days. Scattered rains were also experienced in Central Luzon and Northern Luzon,” Jorda said.

She said that rains were still experienced yesterday in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley and Aurora due to the shear line. — Bella Cariaso