Manila: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday assured the public that this year's dry season would not reach the extreme levels experienced during the onslaught of El Ni±o last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing in Malaca±ang, PAGASA Assistant Weather Services chief and spokesperson Ana Liza Solis said the public could expect a less intense dry season this year, a relief from 2024's El Ni±o which brought record-breaking temperatures and heat indexes.

Solis stated, 'Although we can still experience higher temperature this dry season, last year's temperature was hotter if we will compare this year from last year.' She further explained that the previous year's dry season was significantly hotter due to the strong El Ni±o, which resulted in numerous record-breaking temperatures and high heat indexes.

The World Meteorological Organization reported that 2024 was the warmest year on record. Meanwhile, PAGASA noted that 2024 was also the hottest year in the Philippines since monitoring began in 1951.

Despite anticipating a less intense dry season, Solis warned that heat indexes could still soar to between 48 and 50 degrees Celsius, particularly toward the end of April and early May. However, she reassured the public that actual temperatures are unlikely to reach the 40-degree Celsius threshold, with the extreme heat index of 52 degrees recorded last year expected only in isolated instances.

Solis also clarified that PAGASA has yet to officially declare the onset of the summer season, despite warmer temperatures being felt across the country.