How High Will Temperatures Go? PAGASA Warns Rising Heat by March
Plan your life accordingly.
(SPOT.ph) You think this is hot? The worst is yet to come—the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the start of the dry season could set in by the end of March.
PAGASA Weather Specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda told Unang Balita that the ongoing transition from the northeast monsoon or amihan to the dry season is driving up the heat index—or the temperature felt by the human body when factoring in humidity.
“Sa ngayon, nagkakaroon tayo ng breaks sa amihan... Transition period na tayo papunta sa dry season kaya paunti-unti ay papainit ang ating panahon,” Clauren-Jorda said. “Nasa normal range tayo kung saan hanggang kala-gitnaan ng Marso ay usually nagla-last itong amihan.”
Also read: Heat Index Reaches Danger Levels in NCR Even Before Summer Begins
Heat index not as extreme as 2024
March will bring the highest heat indexes so far, but actual temperatures may continue rising, with Metro Manila projected to hit its highest recorded temperatures of around 39.6°C to 39.8°C between late April and early May, PAGASA Climate Monitoring Chief Ana Liza Solis said in a press briefing.
At the same time, Solis did not rule out the possibility that April and May could also bring even higher heat indexes in some locations: “Possible din na magkakaroon tayo ng matataas na heat index. Puwedeng pumalo ng 48°C o 50°C.” When that happens, any similar occurrence this year would likely be brief and not as widespread.
Although high temperatures are inevitable, Solis said they are unlikely to surpass the record-breaking heat experienced in 2024, which was due to a prolonged El Niño. Still, authorities urge caution, as heat indexes in the “danger” range between 42°C-51°C can cause dehydration, heat cramps, and even heat stroke.
Also read: How to Avoid Heatstroke Now That Dry Season Is Here