Philippines Prepares for Extended Period of Heat Until Mid-May
PHILIPPINES – The Philippines prepares for an extended period of intense heat lasting until mid-May.
On Sunday, a forecaster said the Philippines would undergo prolonged periods of exceptionally high temperatures until mid-May, following a record-breaking heatwave in Manila.
The scorching weather, as reported by Inquirer, has impacted Southeast Asia, prompting the suspension of in-person classes in many schools and the issuance of health advisories by authorities.
Responding to the extreme heat, numerous individuals sought solace in air-conditioned shopping malls and swimming pools across the country. Nancy Bautista, aged 65, expressed, “This is the hottest I’ve ever experienced here,” noting that her resort in Cavite province was fully booked due to the intense heat.
She added, “Many of our guests are friends and families. They swim in the pool to fight the heat.”
According to data from the state weather agency, Manila recorded an unprecedented temperature peak of 38.8 degrees Celsius (101.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, accompanied by a heat index surging to 45°C. The heat index, considering humidity, reflects the perceived temperature. Although March, April, and May typically constitute the hottest and driest the year, this year’s conditions have been exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern.
Glaiza Escullar from the state weather agency informed AFP, “All places in the country, not necessarily just Metro Manila, are expected to have hotter temperatures until the second week of May,”
“There is a possibility that the areas will exceed those temperatures being measured today until the second week of May,” she added.
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