PAGASA: Hot, dry weather may prevail during Holy Week
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the easterlies and ridge of high pressure area will be the dominant weather systems that may bring hot weather and isolated rain showers across the country during the Holy Week.
In a press conference on Friday, March 22, PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando advised the public to exercise caution due to the anticipated hot and humid weather next week.
“Karamihan sa atin ay magbi-byahe, so ang issuance ng aming termination ng amihan at official of the start of the summer season ay isang advise din sa ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat dahil inaasahan na sa mga susunod na mga araw ay tataas ang temperatura (Majority of us will be traveling for the Holy Week, so the issuance of the termination of the northeast monsoon and the official start of summer serves as a warning to our countrymen to be cautious because the temperature is expected to rise in the coming days),” Servando said.
PAGASA officially declared the end of the northeast monsoon season, locally known as “amihan,” and the start of warm and dry season in the country on Friday.
“Kung [ang temperature ay] kasabay ang mataas na alinsangan o relative humidity, [magiging] mataas ang heat index. May kaakibat ito na health hazard (If the air temperature is accompanied by high humidity or relative humidity, the heat index will also be high. This poses a health hazard),” Servando pointed out.
He advised the public to drink plenty of water, carry an umbrella, and dress comfortably to reduce the effects of heat on the body, thereby reducing the risk of heat stress or, worse, heat stroke.