The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, May 9 said the country will continue to experience hot weather, with possible isolated rain showers in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda said the low pressure area (LPA) that had affected parts of the country dissipated on May 8. 

With the LPA gone, she said the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, are now expected to bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies, along with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, across the entire archipelago.

Castañeda added that PAGASA has not monitored any new LPAs inside the Philippine area of responsibility as of Friday.

In its climate outlook for May, PAGASA said the warm and dry season is expected to persist in the coming weeks. 

However, with the approaching southwest monsoon (habagat) season, most parts of the country will begin to experience more frequent localized thunderstorms.

The rainfall forecast for the month indicates near-to-above-normal rainfall across the country.

Generally, near-to-above-average surface air temperatures are expected nationwide, except in portions of Mimaropa, where slightly below-average temperatures may occur. 

The forecast temperature range for Metro Manila is from 22.1°C to 37.1°C, while the mountainous areas of Luzon are expected to experience temperatures between 13.2°C and 28.5°C. 

The rest of Luzon is forecasted to see temperatures ranging from 18.7°C to 39.3°C, and the Visayas will experience temperatures from 19.5°C to 36.5°C. 

The mountainous areas of Mindanao are expected to have temperatures ranging from 15.4°C to 34.3°C, while the rest of Mindanao will experience temperatures between 20.4°C and 37.0°C.

PAGASA also warned that some areas may continue to experience high heat indices, which can cause human discomfort and increase health risks.