Hotter days ahead

The northeast monsoon (amihan), which brings cold winds to the Philippines, is expected to end within the month, ushering in a hotter-than-average dry season, weathermen said.

The onset of the dry season is expected to worsen drought or an extended dry spell already being experienced by 49 of the country’s 81 provinces due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The El Niño, characterized by the unusual warming of ocean temperatures, started last year and is expected to peak in April.

This month, expect temperatures to be “slightly warmer than average,” the weather bureau said,  noting that the northeast winds have not been consistent.

In lowlands in Luzon, including Metro Manila, and parts of the Visayas, temperatures could dip to 18 degrees Celsius but also rise to 36 degrees.

Mindanao will be hotter with temperature going as high as 39 degrees. Dona Z. Pazzibugan