Only on two occasions did Metro Manila temperature drop to a record low of 15.1 degree Celsius: on Feb. 4, 1987 and Dec. 30, 1988. There was no snow, but the cold was still unusual for a city that averages 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Times have changed since then—well, the climate mostly—but this January until February, the National Capital Region will experience something close: temperatures as low as 18 degrees Celsius.
For reference, Baguio, the summer capital, is now at around 20 degrees Celsius during daytime and 11 degrees Celsius at dawn. The City of Pines’ temperature would further dip to as low as 9 degrees Celsius in the same period.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) attributes this change in temperature to the prevailing northeast monsoon (Amihan), one critical component of which is the cold air coming from Siberia.
This colder weather will be experienced until February, PAGASA said. Yes, that means it’s going to be a cold Valentine’s Day for everyone.
