PAGASA has warned of higher heat index levels in Northern Luzon as the dry season officially begins following the end of the amihan or northeast monsoon.

The shift signals hotter and more humid weather in the coming months, with temperatures already climbing in several areas.

In Dagupan City, the heat index reached 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with recent days recording levels between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius.

“’Yung dry and warm season natin kahapon, binigyan na tayo ng memo kaninang umaga so umpisa na ng dry and warm season, so bye na po sa amihan o northeast monsoon,” Jun Soriano, weather forecaster at PAGASA-Dagupan station, said.

Health authorities warned the public against heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are more likely during extreme heat.

They said the hottest period of the day is usually from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

“Magsuot tayo ng magaan na damit o lightly colored na damit para makalabas ‘yung body heat at higit sa lahat magdala ng pananggalang sa sikat ng araw gaya ng payong o sumbrero,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson of the Center for Health Development in Ilocos, said.

Residents like Aprilyn Galido said the heat has already become difficult to manage even in early March.

“Dito na lang talaga sa loob ng bahay, babad na lang sa electric fan o kaya’y ligo na lang talaga kasi mainit,” she said.

Health officials urged the public not to ignore symptoms of heat-related illnesses and to stay hydrated at all times.