The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday announced that generally fair weather conditions will prevail across most of the country due to the easterlies, even as dangerous heat index levels and isolated thunderstorms continue to pose risks.
PAGASA weather forecaster Chenel Dominguez stated that the state weather bureau is currently not monitoring any tropical cyclones or low-pressure areas inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Dominguez explained that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which recently dumped rain over Southern Mindanao, has already shifted outside the country.
Instead, warm winds from the Pacific Ocean—known as the easterlies—are affecting Southern Luzon and the Visayas, steering the country toward generally sunny skies. However, PAGASA warned that hot and humid conditions will persist from late morning through the afternoon, with localized thunderstorms expected to trigger sudden downpours by afternoon or evening.
The public is strongly advised to stay updated via PAGASA’s official social media accounts for real-time thunderstorm advisories.
Extreme Heat Forecast
While parts of the country face evening rains, daytime temperatures remain scorching. Tuguegarao is expected to experience a peak temperature of 37°C, while Metro Manila will hover between 24°C and 32°C.
Other major areas face the following temperature ranges:
- Laoag: 25°C to 33°C
- Legazpi: 26°C to 33°C
- Tagaytay: 23°C to 31°C
- Baguio: 18°C to 25°C
The weather bureau emphasized that heat index levels remain at dangerous thresholds. On Tuesday, Metro Manila sweltered under heat indices between 39°C and 41°C, while San Ildefonso, Bulacan recorded the highest heat index nationwide at 46°C.
For Wednesday, Metro Manila’s heat index is projected to hit 39°C to 41°C again, while San Ildefonso, Bulacan is expected to peak at 45°C.
Residents are urged to limit prolonged outdoor exposure, especially from noon to afternoon, and to always carry umbrellas for protection against both the blistering heat and sudden night rains. Meanwhile, no gale warnings have been raised over any of the country’s coastal waters.