MANILA – Despite the absence of an official summer declaration, extreme heat levels continue to scorch parts of the country, prompting class suspensions in several Metro Manila cities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded a 42°C heat index in Echague, Isabela, on Sunday.
By Monday (03 Mar 2025), temperatures soared even higher, with forecasts reaching 45°C in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and 46°C in both Science Garden, Quezon City, and Clark Airport, Pampanga.
In response, the city governments of Valenzuela, Caloocan, Malabon, and Las Piñas have suspended face-to-face classes.
Caloocan City shifted to blended learning for public schools from Kindergarten to Senior High School, while Malabon and Las Piñas extended the suspension to all levels in both public and private schools. Valenzuela implemented the same measure for Kinder to Senior High School in both sectors.
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, registered the highest actual temperature on Sunday at 36.2°C, while Coron, Palawan, recorded a 45°C heat index on February 26.
PAGASA warns of worsening conditions, predicting a staggering 49°C heat index in Nueva Ecija on Tuesday, with Bataan and Olongapo expected to reach 44°C and 43°C, respectively.
Meanwhile, easterly winds will bring cloudy skies and scattered rains to Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Oriental, while Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
PAGASA continues to monitor extreme temperatures, urging the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
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