Hotter, more humid this week

MANILA, Philippines - Forecasters advised the public yesterday to brace for hot and humid weather this week as the easterlies prevail over the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it might officially declare the start of the summer season anytime this week.

PAGASA weather division chief Robert Sawi said the easterlies, the warm air from the Pacific Ocean, are the criteria used in declaring the onset of summer in the country.

“Although we have no official pronouncement yet, the warm and humid weather condition has already started,” Sawi told The STAR.

Fair weather will continue to prevail over most parts of the country, aside from isolated rains and thunderstorms.

PAGASA deputy administrator Flaviana Hilario warned of slightly warmer than normal temperatures in some parts of the country, including Metro Manila.

Hilario said latest climate prediction models showed no El Niño event is likely to affect the country until May. Meanwhile, Sawi said a tropical cyclone is likely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility before the end of the month. He could not confirm yet whether the disturbance would affect the country.