INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Metro Manila and other parts of the country will remain around 40ºC in the next several weeks, the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in an update on Saturday.
Pagasa recorded the heat index — an indicator of discomfort that an average person experiences due to temperature and humidity — as ranging between 37°C and 41°C from April 24 to 28. The weather bureau classifies a heat index between 42ºC and 51ºC as a “danger category.”
But Pagasa said the risk of heat cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke is already present even under the “extreme caution category” of 33°C to 41°C.
It said heat stroke could be imminent under the “extreme danger” classification of 52°C and beyond.
Sunday forecast
The highest heat index so far was felt on April 16 at 49°C in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the state weather bureau said.
On Friday, the heat index there was recorded at 47°C.
Pagasa weather specialist Veronica Torres said temperatures will continue to rise in May as the country remains under the dry season.
She said Sunday’s heat index forecast in the bureau’s Metro Manila stations is 40°C at Manila’s Port Area, 39°C at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and 41°C at the Science Garden in Quezon City.
Drink water, wear light
The highest forecast today is 45°C in Legazpi City, Albay.
Torres advised the public, especially those who will take part in Labor Day activities on Monday, “to avoid drinking warm beverages like coffee and … to make sure they will drink lots of water so we can also avoid any cases of possible heat strokes as we face the hot temperatures.”
Drinking alcoholic beverages should also be avoided for now, she said.
Torres also reminded people going out to bring umbrellas and wear hats and light-colored clothes.