BAGUIO CITY — The mercury plunged to 11 degrees Celsius on Friday, the coldest so far this year and the coldest since December last year, according to the weather bureau.
Efren Dalipog, weather observer at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) station here, said the mercury has been consistently dipping since Monday and is expected to drop further in the coming days due to the cold front.
He said on Jan. 23, Pagasa reported 14.2 degrees, 14.4 on Jan. 24; 13.5, Jan. 25; and 13.2, Jan. 26.
The chill was first felt this year on Jan. 9 when the temperature plunged at 11 degrees, Dalipog said.
READ: Baguio chills as temperature drops to 11 degrees
The nippy weather, which the city has been experiencing since it hosted the parade of Miss Universe candidates on Jan. 18, has been drawing local and foreign tourists, especially during weekend when famous tourist spots such as Burnham Park, Mines View and Camp John Hay are packed with people, causing traffic in major roads.
The residents welcomed the cold weather as the city will celebrate the annual Panagbenga, or the flower festival, which will start next week. CDG/rga