MANILA, Philippines – Expect hotter days ahead as the Philippines’ warm and dry season has begun.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 26, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the start of the warm and dry season, which Filipinos often call “summer.”
The start of the warm and dry season means the cool and dry season, which is characterized by the northeast monsoon or amihan, has ended.
“The shift of wind direction from northeasterly to easterly due to the establishment of the high pressure area over the northwestern Pacific signifies the termination of the northeast monsoon over most parts of the country and the start of the dry season,” PAGASA said.
“However, extreme Northern Luzon may still experience occasional northeasterly winds,” added the weather bureau.
The northeast monsoon affected parts of the country from November 2024 to March 2025. Its onset in 2024 was delayed, since it usually begins every October.
The warm and dry season typically lasts until May. Temperatures are expected to rise during this period, with PAGASA issuing daily heat index forecasts and recorded figures.
“The day-to-day weather across the country will gradually become warmer, though isolated thunderstorms are also likely to occur,” PAGASA said.
The weather bureau advised people to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and to conserve water. – Rappler.com
