Metro Manila’s 38.2 Celsius hottest since 1915

MANILA, Philippines — The temperature reached 38.2 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila on Thursday, the hottest for the metropolis so far this year, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The temperature was recorded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport monitoring station in Pasay City at 3:26 p.m.

This surpassed the highest recorded temperature for April in the National Capital Region since almost a century ago, when temperatures reached 38.0 degrees Celsius in Port Area, Manila on April 30, 1915.

This is only a few points away from the hottest recorded day based on historical data, which was 38.6 degrees Celsius in Port Area, Manila on May 15, 1915.

State climatologists earlier warned the public to prepare for even hotter days and nights ahead due to the El Niño phenomenon amid the peak of the warm and dry season.

The highest temperature of the year was recorded at 40 degrees Celsius on April 15 in Isu, Isabela.

State weather experts had forecast that temperatures would reach 40 degrees in May.

The effects of El Niño, which is weakening, may continue to be felt until June not only through the sweltering heat but also the below average rainfall.