MANILA – Authorities in the Philippines shut down schools in nearly half of Metro Manila on Monday due to dangerously high temperatures, marking the start of the country’s sweltering dry season.
The Philippine national weather service issued an advisory warning that the heat index—factoring in air temperature and humidity—was set to reach “danger” levels in Manila and two other regions. At these temperatures, residents are at risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with officials advising people to limit prolonged sun exposure.
While Manila’s temperature was expected to reach 33°C (91°F) on Monday—lower than last year’s record 38.8°C (102°F) in April—local governments took precautionary measures by suspending in-person classes. The closures affected six districts within the capital region, which has a student population of more than 2.8 million, according to the Department of Education.
“We were surprised by the heat index advisory,” said Edgar Bonifacio, an education department official in Malabon. “We cannot feel the heat yet outside, but we are following protocols set during last year’s heat wave.”
In Valenzuela district, school officials instructed 69 schools to shift to online and alternative learning methods to ensure student safety. The Philippines faced a major heat wave in 2024, leading to frequent class suspensions in April and May. With this year’s academic year ending in mid-April, officials worry that closures will further reduce available school days.
The trend is part of a global climate crisis—2024 recorded the hottest global temperatures ever, briefly exceeding the 1.5°C warming threshold set by climate agreements. In January, UNICEF reported that extreme weather disrupted the education of 242 million children across 85 countries in 2023, with heat waves having the most severe impact.
Scientists link the worsening heat to human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, which has intensified climate patterns. As a result, the Philippines faces both hotter dry seasons and stronger storms, making communities increasingly vulnerable. With another hot season ahead, officials may need to reassess school calendars and infrastructure to adapt to rising temperatures.