MANILA, (PNA) — Metro Manila sizzles to 35.9 degrees Celsius on Friday, the state weather forecasters said.
In an interview, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Samuel Duran said that the highest temperature in Metro Manila so far this year was recorded at the Science Garden in Quezon City at 35.9 degrees Celsius at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Friday.
He noted that the latest reading surpassed the previous high of 34.6 degrees Celsius, which was recorded on April 7 and 16.
Based on the PAGASA’s climatological record, the hottest temperature in Metro Manila was recorded on May 14, 1987 at 38.5 degrees Celsius.
But so far, the hottest temperature in the country for this year was recorded in Mindanao in General Santos at 38.4 degrees Celsius on April 6 followed by Tuguegarao at 37.0 degrees Celsius recorded last April 2 and in Visayas, the province of Cebu recorded 33.4 degrees Celsius last April 4.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in the country was in Tuguegarao, Cagayan at 42.2 degrees Celsius on May 11, 1969.
Duran said that due to easterlies or warm winds from the east are affecting the eastern section of Luzon and Visayas and also the coming of ridge of high pressure area (HPA) will bring high temperatures and good weather conditions to the country in the coming days as he advised people to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and drink plenty of water.
In a separate interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Jori Loiz said residents of places directly hit by the heat of the sun, without trees, and surrounded by concrete roads would feel much hotter.
He said that other parts of Luzon including Metro Manila may experience hotter days due to a ridge of high-pressure area (HPA) would be the dominant weather system in the country resulting in more humid weather.
HPA is the opposite of the low-pressure area – a weather system consisting of warm air circulating over the Pacific Ocean.
He also credited the hot temperatures to the penetration of the direct heat of the sunlight into the earth’s surface, and cloudless sky in the past days.
Loiz advised the public to avoid heat exhaustion, people should stay indoors as much as possible around 12 noon until 4 p.m..
People are also advised to wear clothing made of light materials with light colors, to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to avoid eating food high in protein, which can increase body heat, he noted.
Citing climatological record, PAGASA said the dry or summer season in the country usually lasts until middle of June.
Despite a warmer weather, he said the occurrence of isolated rains will still prevail due to localized thunderstorms expect mostly in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA explained that the convective activity brought about by intense heat triggers the formation of more cumulonimbus clouds or dark clouds associated with thunderstorms that brings rains. (PNA)