PAGASA: MAY IS HOTTEST MONTH
MANILA, MAY 2, 2008 (STAR) By Helen Flores - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned the people yesterday that the country is expected to experience the highest temperatures this month based on previous data.Nathaniel Cruz, Pag-asa weather branch chief, said that in previous years, the country experienced extreme temperatures in May as the transition from the dry season to the rainy season begins.
He said temperatures could hit 39 to 40 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao and General Santos City this month.
The weather bureau recorded some of the warmest temperatures as: 38.5 degrees Celsius in Quezon City on May 14, 1987; 38.6 degrees Celsius in Port Area, Manila on May 17, 1915; 38.1 degrees Celsius in Parañaque on May 18, 1969 and; 38.5 in Cavite on May 16, 1987.
Pagasa said the highest temperature recorded in the Philippines was at 42.2 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao City on May 11, 1969.
Pagasa recorded the highest temperature in Metro Manila so far this year at 37 degrees Celsius. The temperature was recorded at the Pagasa Science Garden in Quezon City last April 22.
Last year, the hottest temperature was recorded at 39 degrees Celsius on April 14 in General Santos City.
Meanwhile, Cruz also warned the public against hailstorms that can be brought about by severe thunderstorms due to the warm weather.
A thunderstorm is usually characterized by lightning, thunder and dense clouds and can be accompanied by heavy rainfall or strong winds or hail.
March until May is the usual dry season in the western Philippines, which includes Ilocos, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and Western Visayas, including Metro Manila.
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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