Benguet logs coldest temperature on January 29

Benguet recorded the coldest temperature in the Philippines, by far, on January 29, 2024 at 9.7 degrees Celsius. Colder temperatures can be expected in the days to come.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the peak of the cold weather is yet to be experienced.

"Yung mararamdaman natin na malamig na panahon ay magtutuloy pa at ang peak ay sa February," Engr. Larry Esperanza, the Chief Meteorological Officer at PAGASA Baguio City Station, said.

Residents in Benguet used different ways to stay warm in the cold.

"Doble doble na ang kumot ko, comforter na ang ginagamit ko pero ramdam na ramdam pa rin [ang lamig] kaya naka medyas na ako," Lourdes Arnidoval, from Tuba, Benguet, said.

In Tublay, Benguet, occasional hail storms were reported.

"Sa umaga sobrang lamig, sa hapon malamig din kaya naka-jacket talaga [ako], may ice pa [na] umulan [kapag] hapon," Liezel Meniz, a resident in Tublay, said.

In Baguio City, the temperature also went down to 11 degrees Celsius, something that attracted the Francisco family of San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

"Nabalitaan kasi namin na napakalamig ng panahon dito kaya kami ay umakyat. Kung hindi malamig ang panahon hindi kami aakyat," Artemio Francisco said.

Despite the cold, PAGASA said it is impossible for snow to fall.

"Magkakaroon lang tayo ng snow like other country kung mag negative tayo ng temperature, pero 'yung nakita ko kanina possible na hamog lang 'yun, imposible ang snow," Esperanza added. —GMA Regional TV