Yule chill comes late in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Though somewhat late, Baguio’s signature December chill finally came three days before Christmas.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Baguio City monitored the biggest dip so far at 13 degrees Celsius at dawn on Dec. 22. Last year, temperatures here began to drop as early as Dec. 17. 

Yesterday, a day after Christmas, government weather forecaster Danny Galate said the temperature went up to 16 degrees Celsius but projected it will again drop in the coming days.

The dip in temperature was welcomed by thousands of tourists who escaped the lowland heat and headed to the vacation capital for the holidays. 

Meanwhile, Emerita Albas, Protected Area Superintendent of the Mt. Pulag Park Management, advised all trekkers to this mountain-climbing destination to bring sufficient warm clothing to avoid hypothermia following a report that frost occurred on Christmas night and Saturday morning. 

Mt. Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet is the second highest peak in the country, next to Mt. Apo. It is famous for its breathtaking view of sunrise amid a sea of clouds.