Manila, Philippines — Soaring temperatures brought about by the onset of the dry season forced the closure of schools across nearly half of the Philippine capital on Monday. Local officials announced that the extreme heat had prompted school closures as a precautionary measure, with students in over 2.8 million-strong Manila’s student population affected by the decision.
A national weather service advisory warned that the heat index — a combined measure of air temperature and humidity — was reaching “danger” levels, signaling a potential risk of heat cramps and exhaustion. This heat warning extended not only to Manila but also to other regions of the country, urging residents to avoid prolonged sun exposure during the blistering heat.
“The heat index is expected to reach dangerous levels today,” said a spokesperson from the national weather service. “Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely at this level, which is why we’re advising caution.”
Though the temperature in the capital was predicted to peak at a relatively milder 33°C (91.4°F) on Monday, officials opted to close schools preemptively in anticipation of even higher temperatures in the coming days. In the wake of last year’s record-setting heat wave, local governments in Manila, along with six surrounding districts, prioritized the health and safety of students by suspending in-person classes.
In 2024, the Philippines experienced severe heat waves throughout April and May, leading to daily school suspensions. On April 27 last year, Manila reached a record-breaking 38.8°C (101.8°F), forcing millions of students to stay home. The ongoing heat crisis is compounding concerns, especially with the school year drawing to a close in mid-April.
In Malabon, one of Manila’s districts, local education department official Edgar Bonifacio reported that more than 68,000 students across 42 schools would be impacted by the closure. Bonifacio admitted to being “surprised by the heat index advisory,” despite not feeling the heat outside. However, he said that due to last year’s protocols, the district’s superintendent made the decision to suspend in-person classes to ensure student safety.
“Our main concern is that we’re near the end of the school year,” Bonifacio explained. “This could reduce the number of school days available to students, which we’re trying to avoid.”
In neighboring Valenzuela district, officials decided to implement “alternative” learning models, including online classes, for its 69 schools. The move was seen as an essential adaptation in light of the ongoing extreme heat, a growing challenge as global temperatures continue to rise.
The Philippines is no stranger to the impacts of extreme weather. Global warming, driven by human activities such as the unchecked burning of fossil fuels, has led to more intense heat waves, heavier rains, and stronger storms. According to UNICEF, extreme weather disrupted the education of 242 million children across 85 countries in 2024, with heat waves having the greatest effect.
As the dry season continues, and global temperatures break new records, the Philippines, like many other countries, is grappling with the growing challenges posed by climate change. Local governments and educational institutions are now more than ever prioritizing the health and safety of students, adapting to a rapidly changing climate that is altering traditional school schedules and affecting millions.
With the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations facing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, experts warn that the country’s infrastructure and education system must evolve to meet the challenges posed by climate change.