Philippines grapples with record-breaking heatwave linked to El Niño

The Philippines are battling extreme heatwaves. On Tuesday, the temperature in Cavite province reached 47 degrees Celsius, as reported by AFP on Wednesday. Drought has been declared in nearly half of the country's provinces. Experts believe that these conditions are linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Located in the equatorial climate zone, the Philippines experiences uniform air temperatures throughout the year, averaging around 30 degrees Celsius. The combination of high temperatures and proximity to water means the climate is characterized by high humidity and significant rainfall from June to October.

March, April, and May are typically the warmest and driest months in the Philippines, but this year's weather conditions are extraordinary. Temperatures close to 50 degrees Celsius are a rarity.

According to Ana Solis, a climate expert at the National Meteorological Agency, these conditions are associated with the El Niño phenomenon. This weather and oceanic phenomenon involves the sustenance of above-average water temperatures on the surface of the equatorial Pacific due to the weakening of the easterly trade winds.

The felt temperature - calculated by considering heat and factors like wind and humidity - is expected to reach at least 42 degrees Celsius in at least 30 cities and municipalities in the Philippines on Wednesday.

In the capital, Manila, on Tuesday, April 23, the felt temperature hit 45 degrees Celsius; on Wednesday, it exceeded 44 degrees Celsius.

Many schools in the capital have switched to remote learning. About half of the provinces have been officially declared in a state of drought.

As Ana Solis indicates, the heatwave may worsen in the coming days. AFP reminds us that the Philippines is among the countries most at risk from the impacts of climate change.