PAGASA may declare dry season early

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG– ASA) may declare the dry season early, amid the expected termination of the northeast monsoon.

PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said yesterday in a radio interview that hot weather is expected to persist this week, as the easterlies continue to affect the country.?

“The easterlies (or warm wind from the Pacific Ocean) will affect many parts of the country,” she said.

Torres added that the cooler temperature could be expected this weekend once the northeast monsoon strengthens.

The state weather bureau has not monitored weather disturbances like typhoons or low-pressure areas outside the Philippine area of responsibility.

Based on the PAGASA forecast, the heat index in Dagupan City could reach 42 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

The country is expected to sizzle in the coming weeks, with PAGASA forecasting temperatures could reach up to 36.5 degrees Celsius nationwide, rising to as high as 40 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila and northern Luzon due to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.

On the other hand, the water level of Angat Dam dropped further amid the current strong El Niño.

As of 6 a.m. on Monday, the water level of the reservoir reached 207.78 meters or 0.20 meters less compared to its previous level of 207.98 meters. It was 4.22 meters below its normal high water level of 212 meters.

Water levels in five other dams in Luzon also declined.