MANILA, (PIA) -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has confirmed that Metro Manila experienced its highest air temperature on record.

According to PAGASA, on Saturday afternoon, April 27, the temperature soared to a blistering 38.8 degrees Celsius at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Station in Pasay City. This surpasses the previous record of 38.6 degrees Celsius set on May 17, 1915, in Port Area, Manila.

The heat index, which measures the "feels like" temperature, reached a staggering 45 degrees Celsius, creating unbearable conditions for residents and commuters.

The extreme heat is not limited to Metro Manila alone. PAGASA reports similarly high temperatures in various parts of the country, including Palawan, Camarines Norte, Albay, Iloilo, and Agusan del Norte.

Experts caution that these scorching conditions are expected to persist until May, typically the hottest month of the year. The ongoing warm and dry season, coupled with the lingering effects of El Niño, exacerbates the situation, raising concerns about health risks and environmental impacts.

As temperatures continue to rise, authorities advise the public to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated, especially during peak heat hours.

Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and seek shelter in shaded areas whenever possible.

The unprecedented heatwave underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and its repercussions.

With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense, initiatives to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changing climate patterns are increasingly imperative to safeguard the well-being of communities and ecosystems across the country. (PIA-NCR)