Metro Manila sizzles to ‘dangerous’ level of 42 °C

MANILA, Philippines — Feeling fried? It’s no surprise as the state weather bureau recorded a scorching 42 °C heat index for Metro Manila at the Science Garden in Quezon City on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the 42 °C heat index is equivalent to 36.8 °C air temperature. It also said the heat index at the Science Garden peaked at around 3:50 p.m.

The heat index, Pagasa explained, measures human discomfort based on the actual temperature felt by the body.

Umabot sa 36.8°C ang air temperature sa Science Garden, QC kaninang 3:50 PM ngayong Miyerkules, 6 Mayo. Pumalo naman sa 42°C ang katumbas na heat index o alinsangang naramdaman sa parehong oras.

Stay home, stay hydrated, at stay safe po! pic.twitter.com/YB3gvb2UGh

— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) May 6, 2020

Pagasa said May 6’s record matches the highest heat index in Metro Manila this year, which was recorded on April 22.

Heat indices of 41 °C to 54 °C are considered “dangerous” and poses health risks such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with a heatstroke probable with continued physical activity.

High heat indexes were also recorded from Pagasa’s other stations nationwide with Butuan City at 53 °C; Ambulong, Tanauan City, and Sangley Point in Cavite City at 51 °C; and Clark, Pampanga, Maasin City, Science City of Muñoz, and NAIA in Pasay City at 46 °C.

KGA