The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) expects the dry season to officially start by the end of March.

This was announced by Ana Liza Solis, chief of the Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section of Pagasa during a press forum in Quezon City Hall on Tuesday.

“Usually, we announce the start of the dry season around the middle of March to early April because historically. This is when the northeast monsoon terminates,” Solis said.

Temperatures are expected to peak at the end of April towards the first week of May, with a 39.8 degrees Celsius daytime temperature and 52 degrees Celsius heat index.

“Last year when we had the El Nino (weather phenomenon), we recorded the highest daytime temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius in Tarlac, and a heat index of 52 degrees Celsius in Northern Luzon,” Solis explained.

The presence of low-pressure areas and other weather systems are still preventing the declaration of the dry season, for the increasing wind temperature and position of high-pressure areas in the country are parameters necessary for such.

“Until yesterday, the northeast monsoon or amihan was still observed in the country, which may cause rains in the coming days, although it will only be short and mostly in the extreme northern Luzon area,” Solis said.

Solis added the easterlies weather system bringing in hot winds from the Pacific is still observed in the country, causing cloudy afternoons and isolated thunderstorms in Metro Manila, Quezon, Aurora, and other parts of the country.

The public is reminded to keep hydrated and avoid long-term outdoor exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. Yzabela Velez-White/DMS