THE highlands gave lovers a freezing Valentine’s Day.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Engineer Aljon Tamondong said Baguio City recorded a stone cold 8.0 degree temperature Tuesday, February 14, the coldest so far this year.
Tamondong said the city and the entire Cordilleras will expect to have cloudy skies and a continued cold temperature due to north east monsoon.
The cold season is expected until the earlier weeks of March this year.
On January 5, Pagasa has recorded a 25 degree temperature, the highest temperature recorded for this year.
The lowest temperature recorded in the city was 6.3 degrees in January 18, 1961. Currently, there are three monitoring devices installed in La Trinidad Benguet, Baguio City, and in Santo Tomas keeping track of the temperature.
Previously, Department of Health Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) assistant regional director Amelita Pangilinan said the public should protect themselves since cough and cold, influenza illnesses, skin diseases are common during this season.
For those wanting to experience the icy cold mountains, the DOH advices to wear thick jackets, intake of fruits and vegetables is also recommended with exercise to keep the immune system strong.
As temperature in Baguio City drops Mt. Pulag National Park Management Officer Emerita Albas advised the public to refrain from trekking the summit.
"Mt. Pulag temperature morning of Tuesday is estimated at 2 degrees,” Albas said.
The public is advised to bring body warmers, medical clearance, medicine, headlamps, rain coats and other materials needed to protect self from hypothermia.
Albas is also asking doctors to assist them in issuing medical certifications to hikers especially to persons with hypertension. Visitors are also advised to have proper conditioning when going to high altitude areas like Baguio and Benguet. (With a report from Elamae Membrere)