THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Davao Region noted that Region 11 recorded its highest temperature last month for this year with a reading of 35.6 degrees Celsius.
Pagasa-Davao head weather specialist Gerry Pedrico said the 35.6 degrees Celsius on April 1 was the hottest temperature noted since January this year. He added that normal temperature is 33-34 degrees Celsius.
The weather bureau also recorded the temperature on May 2, Wednesday at 32.4 degrees Celsius at around 11 a.m. But this does not mean that it is going on a downtrend, Pedrico said, as weather could be unpredictable.
"For this year, we have the tropical wet and dry climate. It means from January to December, we will experience both wet and dry season. Mao na miski pa na summer season na ta ron anaa gihapon pag-ulan (That’s why even if it’s summer, rainshowers can still be experienced)," Pedrico said.
Pedrico said the warmest month in the country will be on May with a temperature reaching up to 33 degrees Celsius. He added that the heat index will most likely reach 40 degrees Celsius that could also lead to rainshowers.
With this, Pedrico reminds the public to refrain from staying long hours under the heat of the sun from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid heatstroke. He said it is best to keep hydrated and bring umbrella/coat whether it will rain or not.
He also urged those who are working on the road, like traffic enforcers and construction workers, to wear light-colored and comfortable clothes for sun protection and bring with them bottled water to avoid dehydration.
The Pagasa reiterated that even with the start of dry season, the country will still experience light to moderate isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.