State weather bureau the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared on Wednesday the start of the dry season.
In a statement, PAGASA notified the public of “the shift of wind direction from northeasterly to easterly due to the establishment of the high-pressure area over the Northwestern Pacific.”
“[This] is already signifying the termination of the northeast monsoon in most parts of the country and the start of the dry season,” the agency said.
PAGASA forecasts temperatures to rise to 38-40 degrees in Metro Manila today and tomorrow, while the highest is expected at 47 degrees in Dagupan City, in Pangasinan.
Temperatures ranging from 40-43 degrees are forecast in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Iba, Zambales, Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Olongapo, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Virac Catanduanes, and Masbate City.
Baguio City and neighboring La Trinidad, Benguet, however are forecast to have 25-28 degrees temperatures.
Despite this, PAGASA noted that areas in the extreme Northern Luzon may still experience occasional northeasterly winds.
“With this development, the day-to-day weather across the country will gradually become warmer, though isolated thunderstorms are also likely to occur,” according to the weather bureau.
It has advised the public to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Heat is on! PAGASA officially declares start of dry season.”