Baguio chill begins at 13.8 degrees Celsius

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City’s trademark December cold has officially arrived, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recording a temperature of 13.8 degrees Celsius yesterday.

Health officials urged the public to keep warm by dressing in layers such as jackets, sweaters, bonnets and socks and by drinking warm water, tea or soup. They also advised getting enough rest to help prevent colds, coughs and flu.

Despite the chilly weather, the current temperature is still far from the city’s all-time low of 6.3 degrees Celcius recorded on Jan. 18, 1961.

The annual temperature drop is brought about by the northeast monsoon, which ushers in cold air from the northern hemisphere. Its effects typically span from November to February but can sometimes extend into March.