The months of March, April and May are typically the hottest and driest in the Philippines, but conditions in the archipelago nation have been exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon.
The heat index was expected to reach the "danger" level of 42 or 43 degrees Celsius in several areas of the country on April 5, the state weather forecaster said.
In Manila, the heat index was forecast to hit the "extreme caution" level of up to 40 degrees Celsius, when heat cramps and exhaustion are possible.
Students play volleyball along a street in Manila, the Philippines, April 5, 2024. /CFP
The country's heat index measures what a temperature feels like, taking into account humidity.
Friday's actual maximum temperature in Manila was 35.5 degrees Celsius.
"The heat will get worse because we're not yet at the peak of the summer season," said Lorie Dela Cruz from the state weather forecaster. She said the actual temperature was "within the normal range" for this time of the year.
(Cover: A student plays volleyball along a street in Manila, the Philippines, April 5, 2024. /CFP)