The weather bureau announced yesterday the official end of the northeast monsoon or amihan and the start of the dry season.

“Warmer days ahead, but occasional thunderstorms may still occur,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in an advisory.

The public is urged to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption.

In an episode of “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon,” Pagasa’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief Ana Liza Solis said a heat index reaching 52 degrees Celsius is possible.

She said Pagasa has so far logged heat indices, or what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air, of around 46 to 47 degrees Celsius in Tarlac and Pangasinan area.

“We are hoping this won’t reach up to 52 degrees Celsius, but there is still a possibility. Hottest temperatures and highest heat indices are usually logged late April and May,” Solis said.

Places near coastal areas are likely to experience warm and humid weather because of cloudy skies.

“Warmer temperature results in more humid weather. Parts of Dagupan, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Aparri are likely to experience high temperatures,” Solis added.

Meanwhile, Solis urged the public to always listen to the advice of practitioners from the Department of Health.

She also advised the use of natural environments like the shades of trees instead of air conditioners and fans. (PNA)