Pagasa forecasts temperatures to soar up to 38°C

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Friday said temperatures could soar to 38 degrees Celsius in April, due to the dry season, exacerbated by the weak El Niño weather phenomenon.

“It’s going to be hotter in the coming days,” weather forecaster Raymond Ordinario said in Filipino, adding that April is historically the hottest month of the year.

The weak El Niño that the country is currently experiencing has also contributed to the higher recorded temperature, he said.

Ordinario added that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City recorded the hottest temperature in Metro Manila on Thursday afternoon, at 34.5 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, temperature in Dagupan, Pangasinan province, was recorded at 35 degrees Celsius on Thursday afternoon.

However, Ger Anne Duran of the climate division said Dagupan already recorded a heat index of 44 degrees Celsius on Thursday afternoon, while Naia experienced a heat index of 38.1 degrees Celsius.

Other areas in the country that have experienced high heat index include Cotabato City, Maguindanao (41 degrees Celsius); Cuyo, Palawan (41.4 degrees Celsius); and Sangley Point, Cavite (41.4 degrees Celsius).

Stay indoors

Pagasa defines heat index as the “human discomfort” index, more commonly known as “init factor.”

Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by up to 8 degrees Celsius, the weather bureau said.

Pagasa said that at 41 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius heat index, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are “likely,” while heat stroke is “probable, with continued activity.”

The weather bureau advised everyone to stay indoors and to stay away from the sun.

Wearing of lightweight and light-colored clothing is helpful as light colors will reflect the sun’s energy.