Manila: Intense heat gripped the Philippines on Wednesday, leading to the suspension of thousands of in-person classes in schools and advisories urging people to limit outdoor activities.
Traditionally, the months of March, April, and May bring the hottest and driest weather to the Philippines, a trend exacerbated this year by the El Nino weather pattern.
Residents like Erlin Tumaron, 60, employed at a seaside resort in Cavite province, described the stifling conditions, with temperatures soaring to 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday.
“It’s incredibly hot, making it hard to even breathe,” Tumaron remarked. “Surprisingly, despite the scorching weather, our pools remain empty. People seem reluctant to venture outdoors due to the heat.”
The state weather forecaster anticipated the heat index to exceed the “danger” level of 42 degrees Celsius in at least 30 cities and municipalities on Wednesday. The heat index factors in both temperature and humidity to determine how hot it feels.
The Department of Education, responsible for overseeing thousands of schools, reported that nearly 6,700 schools opted to suspend in-person classes on Wednesday due to the extreme heat.
Ana Solis, chief climatologist at the state weather forecaster, warned of a 50 percent likelihood of further intensification of the heat in the upcoming days. “It’s crucial to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and use protective gear like umbrellas and hats,” Solis advised.
El Nino was cited as the primary cause of the “extreme heat” gripping many parts of the country, with approximately half of the provinces officially declared as experiencing drought conditions.
In Aparri, located in the northern part of the country, the heat index peaked at 48 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the highest recorded nationwide. Sweltering temperatures also persisted in Manila, where over 400 schools transitioned to remote learning due to the heat index reaching 45 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
Mary Ann Gener, a government employee in drought-affected Occidental Mindoro province, noted the stark contrast between indoor and outdoor conditions. “Indoor spaces with air conditioning are bearable, but it’s challenging for those working outside,” she remarked.
Edz Alteros, a university employee in Dagupan city, described adjustments made to cope with the heat, including avoiding outdoor activities during lunchtime and adjusting air conditioning settings to prevent breakdowns.
Global temperatures reached record highs last year, with Asia experiencing particularly rapid warming, according to the United Nations’ weather and climate agency. The Philippines, among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, faces ongoing challenges due to extreme weather events.
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