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MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau on Monday advised the public to remain indoors as much as possible and keep themselves hydrated as the heat index could soar to 38 degrees Celsius.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather forecaster Chris Perez said Metro Manila recorded a maximum temperature of 34.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday but the public could experience between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius heat index on Monday.
“Hangga’t maaari, kapag ganito talagang panahon ng tag-init sa ating bansa, as much as possible stay indoors kung wala namang mahalagang gagawin sa labas ng bahay,” Perez said in an interview over ABS CBN’s TeleRadyo.
(As much as possible, stay indoors if there is no urgent outdoor task or business.)
The heat index in Dagupan City soared to an alarming 51 degrees Celsius on Sunday and in the 40s in otjer areas of the country.
“Kung kailangan mang lumabas ng bahay, from time to time sumilong at ugaliing uminom ng tubig to keep themselves hydrated,” he added.
(If one needs to go outside, seek shelter from time to time and keep yourself hydrated.)
Perez said the hottest temperature will be felt between noon to 3 p.m.
Pagasa said the heat index or the “human discomfort index” gives the “apparent” temperature, or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.
Heat index could vary depending on where an individual is, and is different from the temperature forecast for the day, Pagasa clarified.
In its daily weather forecast, Pagasa said warm and humid weather will prevail over most parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila on Monday.
Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, on the other hand, will experience relatively cooler weather and possible rain showers due to the intertropical convergence zone.