MANILA – This Sunday (16 Mar 2025) is expected to bring scorching temperatures to several regions, according to the latest forecast from the weather bureau.
As of 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Virac in Catanduanes are forecast to experience a “danger” heat index of 42°C.
Other areas will also feel intense heat, with “extreme caution” levels recorded at 41°C in the following locations: Aparri, Cagayan; Legazpi City and Guinobatan, Albay; Masbate City, Masbate; Pili, Camarines Sur; Catarman, Northern Samar; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Cotabato City, Maguindanao. Metro Manila, Iba (Zambales), and Subic (Olongapo City) are expected to experience heat at 40°C.
On Saturday, Dagupan, Aparri, and Zamboanga City saw heat indexes soar to 42°C. In contrast, Baguio City and the rest of Benguet province registered a much cooler range of 24-26°C, which is considered “not hazardous.”
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has reassured the public that this year’s dry season is expected to be less extreme than the 2024 El Niño event. PAGASA Assistant Weather Services Chief and Spokesperson Ana Liza Solis mentioned that while heat indexes could reach as high as 48-50°C in isolated instances toward late April and early May, these occurrences will be rare and not widespread.
ia/mnm
