Despite the absence of an official summer declaration, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has recorded dangerously high heat indexes across the country. On Sunday, Echague, Isabela registered a 42°C heat index, while forecasts for Monday show even higher temperatures: 45°C in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and 46°C in Science Garden, Quezon City, and Clark Airport, Pampanga.
In response, several local governments in Metro Manila, including Valenzuela, Caloocan, Malabon, and Las Piñas, have suspended face-to-face classes on Monday. Caloocan shifted to asynchronous learning for public school students from Kindergarten to Senior High School, while Malabon and Las Piñas implemented suspensions across all levels in both public and private schools. Valenzuela also extended the suspension to private institutions from Kindergarten to Senior High School.
The extreme heat is expected to persist, with Nueva Ecija projected to reach a scorching 49°C heat index on Tuesday. Bataan and Olongapo will also experience dangerous conditions, with expected heat indexes of 44°C and 43°C, respectively. PAGASA continues to monitor the rising temperatures and warns the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
