Hot, dry Holy Monday due to ridge of high pressure area, Easterlies

Devotees hear Mass at Quiapo Church in Manila on March 7, 2025, amid high temperatures in various parts of the country. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Philippines will experience mostly hot and dry conditions on Holy Monday, according to PAGASA.

The ridge of a high pressure area extends to northern Luzon, while the warm and humid Easterlies blowing from the Pacific will affect the rest of the country.

“Itong ridge o extension ng high pressure area ay magpapatuloy na makakaapekto mostly sa northern Luzon sa susunod na dalawa hanggang tatlong araw,” senior weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said on PAGASA’s morning broadcast.

(The ridge of a high pressure area will continue to affect Northern Luzon in the next two to three days.)

Unlike the cloudy and rainy conditions associated with a low pressure area, fair and hot weather prevails in areas affected by the ridge of a high pressure area. 

This is due to the sinking or downward movement of air, which inhibits cloud formation.

Most of the country will have index values ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius, categorized under extreme caution level.

In Cotabato City; Dagupan City; La Carlota City; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Zamboanga City, the heat index may reach 40°C.

The heat index measures how the air temperature feels to the body when considering the humidity in the air. 

In Metro Manila, heat index values of 36 to 37°C may be experienced in Pasay and Quezon City, respectively.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advised the public to limit time outdoors especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; stay hydrated; avoid diuretic drinks such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol; use umbrellas, hats, and long-sleeved clothing; and schedule strenuous activities during the cooler parts of the day.

Afternoon showers or localized thunderstorms are also likely in some parts of the country.

“Wala po tayong nakikita o binabantayang LPA o bagyo sa loob at ganun din sa labas ng ating Philippine area of responsibility,” Aurelio said.

(We are not monitoring any potential low pressure area or tropical cyclone within and around the Philippine area of responsibility.)

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