The state weather bureau forecasts cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms in Northern Luzon early in the week, even while the rest of the country will experience sweltering heat.
In an advisory, titled “Special Weather Outlook on the Observance of Semana Santa 2025,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the Frontal System and the Easterlies will be the dominant weather systems affecting the country throughout the Holy Week.
Today, PAGASA said, “The Frontal System will continue to cause cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, and Aurora.”
“On the other hand, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected over the rest of the country, with a chance of brief rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the eastern section,” the weather bureau added.
The Frontal System is a boundary between two air masses with different temperatures and humidity, leading to changes in weather such as rain, snow, wind, and temperature.
The Easterlies are winds coming from the east, passing through the Pacific Ocean, bringing warm and humid weather to the country.
To avoid fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and related illnesses, PAGASA advised the public to limit physical outdoor activities between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
“Drinking water regularly, taking breaks in shaded areas, and wearing light-colored clothing are also encouraged,” it said.
From Wednesday to Sunday, however, PAGASA predicts that “the whole archipelago will experience warm and humid conditions, with the possibility of localized rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening due to the easterlies.”
Earlier, PAGASA said that the peak of the warm and dry season usually happens between the second half of April and the first two weeks of May.
Northern and lowland Luzon are forecast to reach maximum temperatures of more than 39 degrees Celsius in April and around 39 degrees Celsius in May.
On the other hand, Metro Manila and lowland Mindanao may hit temperatures over 38 degrees Celsius in April and 37 degrees Celsius in May.
Since the onset of the dry season this year, the highest heat index recorded was 50 degrees Celsius, observed in Iba, Zambales, on April 1.