El Niño to scorch MM, north Luzon 40°C

Half of Phl provinces to experience drought

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

The country is expected to sizzle in the coming weeks with temperatures rising to as high as 40 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon due to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.

This was according to El Niño task force spokesman Joey Villarama, who revealed that high temperatures would prevail despite the northeast monsoon.

“As early as January, we were already experiencing a strong and mature El Niño. There is no quantitative measure of what a strong and mature El Niño is, but let’s say it should be cold now, but it’s already quite warm,” Villarama said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said temperatures could reach up to 36.5 degrees Celsius nationwide and up to 40 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.