The public must brace for hot weather with rainshowers in most parts of the country due to easterlies coming from the Pacific Ocean accompanied by the impact of the El Niño episode.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded 10 highest temperatures as of March 23 at 8 p.m with San Jose, Occidental Mindoro sizzling at 36.5 degrees Celsius. Metro Manila was at 33.7 degrees Celsius.
According to PAGASA, there will be an average eight hours of sunshine per day in the Philippines for the rest of March. Last March 22, the weather bureau declared the onset of the warm and dry season or the so-called summer.
The strengthening of the North Pacific High led to a gradual shift in the wind pattern from northeasterly to easterly, and an increase in the air temperature over most parts of the country, the weather bureau said.
“In the coming months, the number of dry and warm days across the country will continue to increase, although isolated thunderstorms are also likely to occur, usually in the afternoon or evening,” it added.
With the ongoing El Niño, a significant reduction from the normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions will likely continue, which may bring negative impacts in most areas of the country, it cited.
PAGASA recorded the highest heat of 46 degrees Celsius in Bacnotan, La Union on March 24.