How to avoid heat stress during Semana Santa 2026
Published Mar 31, 2026 11:21 am
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Updated Mar 31, 2026 02:02 pm
PIXABAY PHOTO
As churches fill and families travel to provinces for traditional Holy Week observances, many Filipinos will once again spend long hours under the sun during one of the hottest times of the year.
With warm and humid conditions expected across most of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is reminding the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
From Tuesday to Wednesday, March 31 to April 1, PAGASA said the ridge of a high-pressure area will bring partly cloudy skies over Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mt. Province, and Ifugao.
Meanwhile, easterlies—or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean—will continue to prevail over the rest of the country, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies and isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
From Thursday to Sunday, April 2 to 5, easterly winds are expected to be the country’s dominant weather system across the archipelago, bringing generally warm and humid conditions with partly cloudy to cloudy skies.
Isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may still occur, particularly over Mindanao and the eastern sections of the Visayas.
PAGASA advised the public to limit prolonged exposure to the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when heat stress is most likely.
It encouraged people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas, and wear light-colored, breathable clothing.
PAGASA also recommended the use of sun protection such as hats or umbrellas.
It advised the public to limit intake of alcohol and caffeine to help prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses.