Expect hot, humid Holy Week, says PAGASA

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April 15, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday warned of a sweltering Holy Week, with much of the country experiencing dangerous levels of heat.

Over the weekend, Sangley Point in Cavite City recorded a heat index of 47 degrees Celsius – the highest reported – while 25 other areas also breached the “danger” threshold on Sunday.

In a special weather outlook bulletin for April 14 to 20, PAGASA Weather Division chief Juanito Galang said the combination of the easterlies and a frontal system will continue to dominate weather patterns throughout the week, bringing warm and humid conditions nationwide.

“The public is advised to limit physical outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid fatigue, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Drinking water regularly, taking breaks in shaded areas and wearing light-colored clothing are also encouraged,” Galang said.

Areas with heat indices reaching 44 degrees Celsius included Puerto Princesa, Palawan; the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City; Echague, Isabela; Baler, Aurora; Ambulong in Tanauan, Batangas and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro.

Closely following at 43 degrees Celsius were Casiguran in Aurora; Subic Bay in Olongapo City; San Ildefonso in Bulacan; Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac; Cuyo in Palawan; Virac in Catanduanes; Dumangas in Iloilo; La Carlota in Negros Occidental and Zamboanga City.

Several other locations, including Iba in Zambales; Muñoz in Nueva Ecija; Camiling in Tarlac; Los Baños in Laguna; Mambusao in Capiz; Iloilo City and Catarman in Northern Samar; Baybay in Leyte; Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte and General Santos City registered heat indices of 42 degrees Celsius.

“From Wednesday to Sunday, the whole archipelago will experience warm and humid conditions, with the possibility of localized rainshowers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening due to the easterlies,” Galang warned.

PAGASA weather specialist Rhea Torres, meanwhile, said that Metro Manila is also expected to endure extreme heat, with forecasts showing heat indices between 41 and 44 degrees Celsius.

The weather agency classifies heat indices between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius as “danger” level, during which heat cramps and exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is possible with prolonged sun exposure or physical activity.

Further compounding the heat, PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando on Monday said the country is likely to experience a persistent warm and dry season, particularly in the western sections, with only one tropical cyclone expected to develop this April.

Servando explained that the rainfall forecast shows below-normal to near-normal rainfall conditions in most areas, with Bataan and Cavite expected to receive significantly less precipitation.