The dry season is here

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared yesterday the start of the dry season in the country with the termination of the northeast monsoon.

“The gradual shift of wind direction from northeasterly to easterly over most parts of the country due to the formation of the high pressure area over the northwestern Pacific Ocean signifies the termination of the northeast monsoon and the start of dry season and warmer temperatures,” PAGASA administrator Vicente Malano said in a statement.

“With this development, the day-to-day weather across the country will gradually become warmer, though isolated thunderstorms are also likely to occur,” he said.

Malano advised the public to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption.

PAGASA hydrologist Richard Orendain said Metro Manila will have adequate water supply this dry season.

He said Angat Dam’s water supply is unlikely to reach the critical level of 180 meters.

“If this is the scenario, it is possible that we will not run out of water supply until June or July, which is usually the start of the rainy season,” Orendain said.

Angat Dam located in Norzagaray, Bulacan is Metro Manila’s main source of potable water.