PAGASA: 37-degree weather looms, rains unlikely in May

After experiencing the hottest day of the year so far, Metro Manila residents may have to brace for more 37-degree temperature in the coming days. Worse, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) admitted the rainy season may be delayed to early June. "Inaasahan natin aabot na 37 ang pinakamainit na temperatura, lalo na ang namamayaning weather system ay ridge of a high-pressure area sa Luzon at Visayas (We can expect more 37-degree temperature in the coming days especially since the dominant weather system is the ridge of a high-pressure area affecting Luzon and Visayas)," PAGASA forecaster Elvie Enriquez said in an interview on dzBB radio Thursday. Enriquez said PAGASA recorded the hottest temperature of the year in Metro Manila so far this year at 4 p.m. Wednesday, at 37.5 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, she said the rains may not be due until early June. "Mas delayed ang pagpasok ng tag-ulan, by early June na. Bagama't maaring late May, makararanas tayo ng afternoon thunderstorms (The rainy season will be delayed at early June, although we may experience afternoon thunderstorms in late May)," she said. PAGASA's extended forecast indicated Metro Manila is expected to experience temperatures ranging from 27 to 37 degrees Celsius until Monday next week. It added temperatures will be hotter in Tuguegarao City, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 38 degrees until Monday next week. Meanwhile, PAGASA's 5 a.m. bulletin said the whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. "Light to moderate winds blowing from the east to southeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate," it added.— LBG, GMANews.TV