‘Extreme caution’ urged over rising temperatures

MANILA — State weather bureau PAGASA on Wednesday urged the public to observe “extreme caution” against soaring temperatures.

The heat index, which is what the temperature feels like to the human body, could reach 39 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila, PAGASA weather forecaster Lorie Dela Cruz noted.  

“Nasa extreme caution level po [‘yan], so possible yung mga heat cramps at heat exhaustion, lalo na kapag medyo intense yung mga activities,” she told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

Warm weather this year won’t hit El Niño levels - PAGASA

The heat level could reach the "danger" level in four areas, namely San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Legazpi City, Albay; Virac, Catanduanes; and Pili, Camarines Sur. 

Dela Cruz urged the public to stay hydrated and avoid exposure to sunlight.

Global average temperatures hit record highs in 2024 and even briefly surpassed the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold.

Human activity, including the unrestricted burning of fossil fuels over decades, has warmed the planet and changed weather patterns.

That has meant wetter wet periods and dryer dry periods, intensifying heat and storms and making populations more vulnerable to disasters. 

PAGASA: Warm and dry season possible by mid-March to April

— With a report from Agence France-Presse