MANILA, Philippines - Not even the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City, was spared from the wath of the El Niño phenomenon.

Burnham Lake, a popular tourist destination in the Pines City, has started to dry up because of the warm weather.

On Tuesday, mercury levels in the city reached 30 degrees Celsius, the hottest temperature recorded in more than 20 years.

Baguio has not reached the 30 degree mark since 1988, when heat was gauged at 30.4 degrees Celsius.

If the hot condition continues, the city government said tourism in the province may be greatly affected.

Its cool climate, fresh and green environment lures more than 500,000 local and foreign tourists a year.

Baguio city's normal temperature measures within 15 to 22 degrees Celsius during summer. It cools even further during December at 7 degrees.

The local weather bureau branch has predicted that Baguio City's temperature may even sizzle to 31 degrees Celsius. With ANC