The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded one of this year’s hottest temperature at 38.8 degrees Celsius or 101.84 degrees Fahrenheit in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan at 2 p.m. Saturday.
But weather experts said the temperature is going down, despite the higher temperatures recorded last week.
According to PAGASA meteorologist Nonoy About, they recorded higher temperature readings before Tuguegarao.
"We have recorded 38.9 degrees Celsius or 102.02 degrees Fahrenheit on May 9 and 39.0 degrees Celsius or 102.20 degrees Fahrenheit on May 10," About told The STAR yesterday.
Despite the scorching temperatures, there were no reports of anyone suffering from heat stroke or any heat-related ailment since last week, About said.
In Manila, the maximum temperature reached 36.9 degrees Celsius or 98.42 degrees Fahrenheit.
The temperature was recorded at the Science Garden in Diliman, Quezon City at 1:45 p.m. Saturday.
Yesterday’s temperature, which was recorded in the same place, also reached 36.8 degrees Celsius or 98.24 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to About, other high temperatures recorded at the Science Garden was at 38.5 degrees Celsius or 101.30 degrees Fahrenheit on May 14, 1987 and in Sangley Point, Cavite at 38.5 degrees Celsius.
"Historical data at PAGASA shows that the highest temperature reported so far was at 42.2 degrees Celsius or 107.96 degrees Fahrenheit," he said.
It was recorded on May 11, 1969, also in Tuguegarao, About said.
He said this year’s temperature level will not be higher.
"Actually, the atmosphere as of now is already in the thunderstorm genesis," he said.
"We are already approaching the rainy season in the last part of May considering that the weather system is now in the normal condition," About said.