The Philippine State Weather Bureau has advised the public to take precautions against heat stroke and exhaustion on Thursday as the temperature is expected to top out at 41C.

The hottest temperatures are expected in the Metro-Manila area and the cities of Taguegarao and Laoag in Nothern Luzon.

Temperatures throughout the Philippines are likely top top 40C from today until Friday.

The hottest ever temperature recorded in the Philippines was in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, on May 11, 1969, when the index reached 42.2. Taguegarao is said to have consistently registered the highest temperatures in the country.