Ridge Of HPA Brings Warm, Humid Weather On Monday

The public will continue to experience warm and humid weather in the next three days in most parts of the country because of the ridge of high pressure area (HPA) extending towards Northern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday.

The HPA, which is the opposite of the low pressure area (LPA), is associated with light winds, less rainclouds, and drier air.

For Monday forecast, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over the country and the coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

The state weather bureau did not issue a gale warning as the fisherfolk are safe to venture into seas.

PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the presence of HPA will bring high temperatures and good weather conditions in the coming days as the state weather bureau advised people to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and drink plenty of water.

He advised residents of places directly hit by the heat of the sun, without trees, and surrounded by concrete roads would feel much hotter.

Despite a warmer weather, he noted the occurrence of isolated rains will still prevail due to localized thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

He explained that the convective activity brought about by intense heat triggers the formation of more cumulonimbus clouds or dark clouds associated with thunderstorms that brings rains.

So far for this year, the highest temperature in Metro Manila was recorded on Sunday was at 35.0 degrees Celsius recorded around 1:50 p.m. at the Science Garden in Quezon City.

Based on the PAGASA’s climatological record, the hottest temperature in Metro Manila was recorded on May 14, 1987 at 38.5 degrees Celsius.

He said that other parts of Luzon including Metro Manila may experience hotter days due to the ridge of high pressure area.

Temperature on Monday in Metro Manila will range between 22-35 degrees Celsius while the heat index will be 25.3-35.6 degrees Celsius.

The heat index is the human discomfort index that gives the “apparent” temperature or what human perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body. High air temperatures and high relative humidity will give high apparent temperatures or indices. Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by 9°C.

But so far, the hottest temperature in the country for this year was recorded in Mindanao in General Santos at 38.0 degrees Celsius on March 18 and while in Luzon, Tuguegarao recorded at 35.5 degrees Celsius last March 17 and 18 and in Visayas, the province of Cebu recorded 32.4 degrees Celsius last March 18.

The hottest temperature ever recorded in the country was in Tuguegarao, Cagayan at 42.2 degrees Celsius on May 11, 1969. (PNA) JBP/CLTC