The northeast monsoon may be back in extreme Northern Luzon but the heat index will continue to rise in parts of the country with the incoming onset of the dry season, weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday.

PAGASA weather forecaster John Manalo said the northeast monsoon or amihan is affecting Batanes, bringing light rains, and may strengthen in the coming days.

“Baka huling buga na ito ng northeast monsoon natin at sa mga susunod na araw ay magpapatuloy na ang mainit na temperatura,” he said.

He said the easterlies is affecting a large portion of the country including Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Metro Manila.

PAGASA said the heat index may hit 42 degrees in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on Thursday and Friday, while similar temperatures may affect Iba, Zambales Friday.

The weather bureau classifies areas under the “danger” category if the heat index falls under 42 degrees Celsius - 51 degrees Celsius, and under “extreme caution” if the heat index ranges from 33 degrees Celsius - 41 degrees Celsius.

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