BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The chilly weather intensified in the country’s summer capital after the temperature dropped to 9 degrees Celsius at around 5 a.m. on Saturday, marking the coldest temperature recorded in the Philippines so far in 2026, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Weather experts said the drop in temperature was mainly caused by the northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan,” which continues to bring cooler winds and seasonal weather patterns across the country.
Despite the recent cold spell, PAGASA clarified that the country’s all-time lowest temperature remains at 6.3°C, recorded in Baguio City on January 18, 1961.
The high elevation of Baguio—about 1,500 meters above sea level—makes it one of the coldest places in the Philippines during the amihan season. Meteorologists noted that other higher areas in Benguet may experience even colder temperatures, but weather monitoring equipment is primarily stationed in Baguio.
Earlier this week, temperatures in the city hovered around 13°C, with readings of 13.4°C recorded on Tuesday and Thursday.
PAGASA added that the amihan will continue to affect large parts of the country, bringing cloudy skies and light rains in some areas, including Aurora, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Samar, and Dinagat Islands. Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers.
Meanwhile, residents and tourists in Baguio were advised to prepare warmer clothing as the cold weather is expected to persist in the coming days.
