Hot weather amid rainy season? PAGASA points to monsoon breaks

The heat felt in parts of the country over the past few days has been caused by monsoon breaks, PAGASA has said.

According to Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras," the temperature of 37.2°C recorded in Tuguegarao is the hottest so far in July.

The highest temperature recorded this year was 36°C in Isabela on May 7.

This developed in the middle of the rainy season which PAGASA said started in June.

Monsoon breaks are those times in the southwest monsoon period when the average rainfall is below five millimeters three to four days in the western portion of the country.

The easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean blowing into the country also contribute to the higher temperatures.

Another factor is a high-pressure ridge which also results in decreased cloud cover. —Jiselle Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News