MANILA, Philippines – The hot days that Metro Manila has been having lately is expected to continue into the coming days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Monday.
On that day, the state weather bureau recorded the hottest day of the year so far in Metro Manila at the Science Garden in Quezon, where the temperature was 36.5ºC with a heat index of 41ºC.
The heat index, as PAGASA defines it, is the perceived, rather than the measured, temperature and is affected by humidity and exposure to direct sunlight.
Earlier, PAGASA warned that the high temperatures could cause heat exhaustion and heat cramps that might lead to heat-related stroke if strenuous physical activities continue.
“And so far, we have started to record ng maximum daytime temperatures since the onset of the dry season,” senior weather specialist Chris Perez said, speaking partly in Filipino,
According to Perez, temperatures and heat indices almost as high as those recorded on Monday may continue throughout May or before the start of the rainy season,
“So as much as possible, avoid unnecessary outdoor activity,” he said.
Meanwhile, isolated rain showers and thunderstorms may persist in Palawan, but the weather over the rest of Luzon would be hot and humid, although rains may occur by afternoon or by night.
The temperature in Metro Manila is predicted to range from 25ºC to 36ºC. The temperature in Tuguegarao in Cagayan may reach up to 39ºC.
Similar weather is predicted over the Visayas and Mindanao, with temperatures ranging from 26ºC to 33ºC in the cities of Cebu, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Tacloban.
No gale warning has been raised over the country, which means that fisherfolk with small boats can set sail. Sea conditions would range from slight to moderate.
/atm