Severe Heat Wave Forces School Closures Across Half of Metro Manila: What You Need to Know

In Manila, Philippines, temperatures are rising, causing many schools to close. Local officials announced that the dry season is bringing intense heat to the city.

The weather service issued a warning that the heat index, which combines air temperature and humidity, could reach dangerous levels in Manila and other areas.

This level of heat can lead to issues like heat cramps and exhaustion, so residents are advised to stay out of the sun when possible.

Last year, a severe heat wave in April and May forced frequent school closures, leaving millions of students affected. On April 27, the temperature in Manila set a record at 38.8 Celsius (101.8°F).

While temperatures were expected to reach only 33C on Monday, schools in Manila and six nearby districts decided to close for safety.

The region has over 2.8 million students, highlighting how many lives are impacted by extreme heat. In Malabon, for instance, more than 68,000 students across 42 schools were affected by the closure, according to education official Edgar Bonifacio.

Bonifacio mentioned that the heat index warning took everyone by surprise since it didn’t feel too hot outside. However, followed by last year’s protocols, the district chose to cancel in-person classes as a precaution.

With the school year nearing its end, there is concern about losing valuable teaching days. In Valenzuela district, for example, schools will use online classes and other learning methods to adapt.

Additionally, 2024 brought record-high global temperatures, briefly surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius warming mark. UNICEF reported that extreme weather affected the education of around 242 million children in 85 countries last year, with heat waves being particularly disruptive.

This worsening situation is tied to human activities that have increased global warming. The burning of fossil fuels over many years has changed weather patterns, resulting in harsher dry spurts and more intense storms, making communities increasingly vulnerable to these disasters.