Warm Weather Until Weekend — PAGASA

The public will continue to experience warm and humid weather until weekend 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).

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

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said Friday that due to the HPA, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms will be experienced over the whole country mostly in the afternoon or evening until weekend.

He said with 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.

Highest temperature in Metro Manila on Thursday was at 35.6 degrees Celsius recorded around 3 p.m. at the Science Garden in Quezon City.

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

Temperature on Friday in Metro Manila will range between 26-35 degrees Celsisus while the heat index will be 29-39 degrees Celsius.

The heat index are 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.

On the other hand, Aurelio said the tropical storm with an international name of “Dolphin” which still outside the PAR has slim chance to enter the country.

He said the tropical storm has moved northwest and not expected to enter the country.

He added the next tropical cyclone will be locally named “Egay”, the fifth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

In its advisory, PAGASA said light to moderate winds blowing from the east to southeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the east to northeast over the rest of the country.

The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate. (PNA) LAM/CLTC