Heat continues over Luzon through Easter

The intense heat and humid conditions felt across the country on Maundy Thursday are expected to persist until the end of Holy Week, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As millions of Filipinos travel to their home provinces and participate in outdoor religious observances, the state weather bureau warned of continued elevated temperatures through Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.

The primary meteorological driver causing the extreme heat, particularly over Northern and Central Luzon, is the ridge of a high-pressure area.

PAGASA weather specialists explained that a high-pressure area is a weather system where air moves downward, acting as an atmospheric cap that severely limits cloud formation. With fewer clouds to block the sun, the landmass absorbs direct solar radiation, resulting in hotter and drier weather.

Meanwhile, warm and moisture-laden Pacific easterlies continue to shape the weather over Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Mornings are expected to be generally fair, but isolated rain showers and localized thunderstorms are likely in the late afternoon and evening.

In contrast to the milder conditions of late March, this Holy Week has already seen danger-level heat indices. Virac, Catanduanes recorded a heat index of 47°C for two consecutive days on Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday, while Dagupan City and Mambusao, Capiz reached 42°C.

From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, Northern Luzon will remain mostly clear but subject to intense heating. Metro Manila will experience hot and dry conditions, with heat indices significantly exceeding ambient temperatures. In the Visayas and Mindanao, afternoon thunderstorms may become more frequent and intense, raising the risk of localized flash floods.

Based on PAGASA’s April 3–5 outlook:

• Metro Manila: 22°C to 34°C, with minimal chance of rain

• Baguio City: 15°C to 25°C, with rain chances increasing to 20% by Easter Sunday

• Tuguegarao City: Up to 35°C under generally clear skies

• Metro Cebu: 24°C to 33°C, with a slight chance of rain

• Metro Davao: Up to 34°C, with rain probabilities rising to 60% by Black Saturday

Amid the extreme heat, PAGASA advised the public—especially devotees and outdoor workers—to take precautions:

• Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Drink water regularly and limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks

• Wear light, breathable clothing and use sun protection such as umbrellas or hats

• Take frequent breaks in shaded or well-ventilated areas