Devotees hear First Friday mass at Quiapo Church in Manila on March 7, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA — Parts of northern Luzon will be rainy at the start of the week while scorching heat will prevail over most of the Philippines during the Holy Week, state weather bureau PAGASA said Monday.

A frontal system, which forms along the boundary zone of warm and cold air masses, will bring scattered rains over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, and Aurora on Monday and Tuesday, PAGASA said in a special weather outlook for Semana Santa.  

Meanwhile, the Easterlies blowing from the Pacific will bring warm and humid conditions across many parts of the country, including Metro Manila.

Localized afternoon rain showers or thunderstorms are also expected, especially over the eastern section of the archipelago.

PAGASA advised the public to limit physical outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid fatigue, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion.

Regular hydration, taking breaks in shaded areas, and wearing light-colored and comfortable clothing were also encouraged.

The weather bureau earlier said that the peak of the warm and dry season usually happens between the second half of April and the first two weeks of May.

Northern and lowland Luzon are forecast to reach maximum temperatures of more than 39 degrees Celsius in April and around 39 degrees Celsius in May.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and lowland Mindanao may hit temperatures over 38 degrees Celsius in April and 37 degrees Celsius in May.

The highest heat index recorded since monitoring began in March this year was 50 degrees Celsius, observed in Iba, Zambales on April 1.

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