Expect extreme heat as peak dry season approaches – Pagasa

National

THE high temperatures that are currently observed across the Philippines are normal as the country is set for an anticipated seasonal transition to the dry season, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Pagasa weather specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda stated that the prevailing weather patterns in the country are within typical parameters for this season.

The northeast monsoon, locally known as "Amihan," is expected to cease by mid-March, subsequently ushering in the dry season.

“Sa kasalukuyan, nasa normal naman po tayo, nasa range pa naman po tayo na kung hanggang kalagitnaan ng Marso po ay usually nag la- last itong northeast monsoon o Amihan. Nasa usual range pa rin po tayo ng tag init o papunta po tayo sa dry season (Right now, we're within the normal range. The northeast monsoon, or Amihan, typically lasts until mid-March. We're still in the usual range of hot weather, or transitioning into the dry season),” Clauren-Jorda said in a Unang Balita interview.

Pagasa forecasts temperatures in Central Visayas to vary between 26 and 31 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, a “danger” heat index ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, is foreseen in Metro Manila and selected areas as the peak of the dry season will be approaching from the end of March.

Due to the rising heat index, local government agencies and educational institutions in Metro Manila and other places have enforced class suspensions on Monday and Tuesday.

The state weather bureau added that there are no immediate threats of typhoons in the Philippines for the next five days.

“Sa kasalukuyan wala naman po tayong mino-monitor na low-pressure area or bagyo na possible pong maka apekto sa ating bansa ngayon hanggang sa susunod na limang araw (Currently, we are not monitoring any low-pressure areas or typhoons that could affect our country now or within the next five days),” Clauren-Jorda added.(Ana Grace Cabradilla, BiPSU Comm Intern)