BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Residents and tourists in the country’s “Summer Capital” are bracing for a chilly weekend as the northeast monsoon, or amihan, intensified, sending temperatures plunging to a crisp 10°C. The state weather bureau, PAGASA, reported that the surge of cool air from the northeast continues to dominate Northern Luzon, bringing the coldest temperatures recorded so far this March.
The drop in mercury has transformed the city’s atmosphere, with thick fog often blanketing popular tourist spots like Mines View Park and Burnham Park during the early morning hours. Weather specialists noted that while 10°C was recorded at the PAGASA station, even lower temperatures may have been felt in higher-altitude areas of Benguet, such as Atok and Buguias, where frost occasionally appears on agricultural crops during intense cold spells.
“We are advising travelers to bring adequate warm clothing as the amihan surge is expected to persist through the weekend,” a local PAGASA official stated. “The cool, dry air is typical for this time of year, but the current surge is particularly strong, providing a refreshing break from the rising temperatures in the lowlands.”
Despite the nippy conditions, the cold weather is seen as a boon for the city’s tourism industry, as visitors flock to the highlands to experience the “authentic” Baguio chill. Local businesses, especially those selling hot beverages and knitwear, have reported a surge in activity. However, health officials have also reminded the public to stay hydrated and take precautions against respiratory illnesses that often accompany sudden temperature drops.
Looking ahead, the weather bureau expects temperatures to gradually stabilize by early next week as the amihan surge begins to weaken, though nippy early mornings are likely to remain a staple of the Baguio experience until the transition to the warm dry season.