Philippine Weather forecaster PAGASA said temperatures this March will be hotter than usual, reaching about 37 degrees Celsius or higher.
The hottest temperature in Metro Manila so far was recorded week past at 35.5 degrees Celsius. Nationwide, the highest temperature was recorded , at 35.7 degrees Celsius in Cabanatuan City.
"The season of northeast monsoon has ended. Easterly wind (Pacific Ocean) is now entering the Philippines, causing temperatures to rise," PAGASA said.
PAGASA said the expected rise in the temperature could also be attributed to the "El Niño" phenomenon that is already causing drought in some areas in the Philippines.
PAGASA said with the "El Niño" event, a 40-degree temperature is possible.
PAGASA hydrologist Edgar dela Cruz said the water levels in
4 major dams in Luzon continue to go down.
Magat dam in Isabela remains to be in a critical stage, with the water level at 26.95 meters below the normal operating rule curve or the guide used to estimate available water for irrigation and power.
Dela Cruz said the current water level of Magat might not be enough to supply the water needs of the hydroelectric plant in Ramon, Isabela, which provides about 350 megawatts of power to the Luzon grid.
"Masyado ng mababa ang level ng tubig sa Magat. It may not be enough to sustain the daily water requirements of the irrigations and hydroelectric plant near the area," he said.
Dela Cruz said Angat dam in Bulacan, Pantabangan in Nueva Ecija, and San Roque in Pangasinan also have low water level records.
Angat, the main source of Metro Manila’s domestic water supply, is at 190.55 meters, or 6.12 meters below the normal.
Pantabangan dam is 5.95 meters below normal and San Roque, 2.53 meters below normal.
"The water level in these dams will continue to go down as hotter temperature is expected to occur in the coming days. We ask the public to continue conserving water," he added. |
