'Summer' season is here, according to PAGASA
Brace yourselves for hotter days ahead as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially declared the start of "Philippine summer."
The weather bureau announced on Friday, March 22, the end of "Amihan" or the northeast monsoon season, which marks the start of the warm and dry season in the country.
"Today, we officially declare the start of the Philippine summer based on analysis of the latest forecast," PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando said in a press briefing.
The agency earlier said that the country has no summertime as it only has two seasons: wet and dry. Still, Filipinos are fond of calling the hot and dry season "summer."
"We expect the number of warm and dryer days will increase in the coming weeks and in the coming months," Servando added during the briefing.
The PAGASA official noted that the effects of El Niño are expected to continue, which could lead to Pinoys experiencing higher temperatures and dryer conditions between April and May.
These months could also be one of the warmest as temperatures may reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, according to PAGASA Climatology and Agrometeorology Division chief Ana Liza Solis.
This peak temperature, which can be experienced particularly in Cagayan Valley, is just two degrees lower than the dangerous heat level that ranges from 42 to 51 degrees.
PAGASA then asks the public to take precautionary measures to avoid the health impacts of hot weather, including heat stroke.
"The public is advised to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption," the agency said.