Metro Manila residents were in for a sizzling weekend as state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded a new high temperature in the metropolis this year at 35.8 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City recorded the highest temperature so far in Metro Manila this year at 35.8 degrees Celsius at 3 p.m. Saturday.

It surpassed the highest temperature this year that was recorded last Wednesday at 35.5 degrees Celsius.

It also exceeded the highest temperature last year at 35.5 degrees Celsius that was recorded in April 15.

But the hottest weather in Metro Manila is still the 38.5 degrees Celsius recorded on May 14, 1987.

Due to the prevailing El Niño phenomenon, PAGASA expects that temperatures all over the country to reach as much as 37 degrees Celsius in April or May.

Last Thursday, PAGASA declared the termination of northeast monsoon (hanging amihan) in the Philippines, which signals the onset of summer season.

Northeast monsoon primarily contributes to the major rainfall activity in the country.

It also brings cooler weather to the Philippines usually from October to February.

“The termination of northeast monsoon also signals the transition to easterlies wherein warmer but humid winds from the Pacific Ocean will blow from the east towards the country,” PAGASA said.

“With the prevailing easterlies, rainshowers will be experienced in Bicol Region as well as in the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao,” it added.

It said that the easterly wind regime this year may last for about three months to be followed by the onset of the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” in the month of June.