The heat is on!
It is time to bring out your lightest garments and whitest fashion pieces as PAGASA, the country’s weather agency, has officially declared the beginning of summertime in the Philippines, following the termination of the cooler northeast monsoon, or hanging amihan.
In a March 22 press release posted by the bureau on their Facebook account, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced officially the “retreat of the High Pressure Area over Siberia” which implies the decline of what is referred to as ‘amihan,’ the northeast winds that cause the country’s cool temperatures.
Based on the report, the shift in the wind patterns have begun to cause the temperatures to rise and pave the way for a warmer and drier season.
According to PAGASA, the Philippines has two major seasons based on temperature and rainfall: the rainy season that occurs from June to November, and the dry season, happening between December and May. The latter can still be subdivided into a cool dry season (December to February), and the hot dry season (March to May).
As the country ushers in its summer time, PAGASA continues to advise Filipinos to do all necessary measures as they brace for hotter temperatures.
“The public and all concerned government agencies are advised to continue their ongoing precautionary measures to minimize heat stress, optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption, and prevent any accompanying health risks associated with this climate condition,” the weather bureau said.
“The different climate-sensitive sectors such as the water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety, and other key sectors in the country may continue to be adversely affected,” it added.
As for PAGASA, regular monitoring and advisory publication will continue in order to get the public more informed regarding relevant weather details.
“DOST- PAGASA will continue to closely monitor the country's weather and climatic conditions and their likely impacts, therefore, the public and all concerned agencies are advised to regularly monitor for relevant updates,” the statement concluded.
