Extreme caution, danger: Heat indices of 35-44°C to hit PH, says Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines— The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasted heat indices of 35-44°C under its “extreme caution” and “danger” categories for the whole country on Tuesday, save for Baguio City which can expect a cool 24°C index.
The day’s highest index of 44°C will hit Catarman in Northern Samar, according to the weather bureau’s 1-day forecast published Monday.
Pagasa’s “Previous Five-Day Actual Heat Index and Forecasts for the Next Two Days” published Monday.
A heat index of 43°C is predicted for Pasay City, Laoag City, Aparri in Cagayan, and Zamboanga City, while a 42°C index is expected in Manila City, Quezon City, Dagupan City, Tuguegarao City, Iba in Zambales, Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte, and Laguindingan in Misamis Oriental.
The aforementioned temperatures fall under Pagasa’s “Danger” heat index classification. Under heat indices of 42-51°C, “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure,” according to the weather authority.
Heat index classifications and explainer from Pagasa’s website.
The rest of the country can expect indices from 36-41°C, or temperatures that fall under Pagasa’s “Extreme Caution” ranking. Similarly, heat cramps and exhaustion are “possible” in these areas, while “continuing activity could lead to heat stroke,” based on the administration’s effect-based classifications.
The state weather bureau raised an El Niño Alert on May 2, forecasting torrid conditions in the country for the second quarter of 2023 until early 2024.
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