PAGASA: Temperatures may go beyond 34 degrees Celsius in summer

After sweltering through 34.5-degree heat on Saturday, Metro Manila residents may have to brace for even hotter weather this summer, state weather forecasters said Sunday. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the 34-plus-degree Celsius weather was recorded only in March, the start of the summer season. "Asahan natin na umpisa pa lang ng tag-araw lalo sa Metro Manila ... pwedeng tumaas pa ang temperatura na nararanasan natin," PAGASA forecaster Nikos Peñaranda said in an interview on dzBB radio. On Saturday, PAGASA recorded the hottest day in Metro Manila so far this year, at 34.5 degrees Celsius. PAGASA's extended forecast until March 7 also indicated the weather may reach a high of 34 degrees. Malacañang on Saturday advised the public to take precautions against fires and dengue during the hot and dry season. While Peñaranda said the southwest monsoon may soon arrive and bring much-needed rain, it is still at least three months away. "Bago magkaroon ng habagat mga ilang buwan pa po (Before the southwest monsoon arrives, we will have to endure some months of heat)," he said. — LBG, GMA News