Hot weather prompts some schools to suspend classes on April 1

Teacher Edito Ansale Jr. helps pupils during a reading drill at Corazon Aquino Elementary School in Quezon City. (File photo from LYN RILLON)

MANILA, Philippines — Some municipalities nationwide have suspended face-to-face classes due to the anticipated hot weather.

Classes are suspended in the following areas on Monday, April 1, as of 11 a.m.:

• Iloilo City: Face-to-face classes in pre-school to senior high school, public and private, until April 2
• E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental: Face-to-face classes in all levels, public and private, until April 2
• Kabangakalan, Negros Occidental: All levels, public and private, until April 2
• Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental: Face-to-face classes at all levels, public and private
• Bacolod City: Face-to-face classes in pre-school to senior high school, public and private
• Roxas, Capiz: Face-to-face classes in preschool to senior high school, public and private
• Tantangan, South Cotabato: Half-day classes from April 1 until April 15 on all levels, public and private
• Isabela, Negros Occidental: All levels, until April 2
• Cauayan, Negros Occidental: All levels, public and private until April 2
• Silay City, Negros Occidental: Face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private
• Bago City, Negros Occidental: Face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private, until April 2

State meteorologists forecast areas in Western Visayas, including Iloilo City and Roxas City, to experience heat index levels of 41 degrees Celsius on Monday, just a point below what is categorized as within the “danger” level of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental in Central Visayas and South Cotabato in Soccsksargen are both expected to feel temperatures of up to 38ºC, within the “extreme caution” level of the heat index.

Despite the absence of announcements of class suspensions in their areas, the municipalities of Aparri in Cagayan and Catarman in Northern Samar are expected to reach a heat index temperature of 43ºC.

Other areas forecast to experience dangerous heat index levels on Monday are Camarines Sur and Zamboanga del Sur at 42ºC.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) defines heat index as “a human discomfort index that gives the apparent temperature on what humans perceive or feel as the temperature (from the surroundings) affecting the body.”

Pagasa noted that heat index temperatures within the danger level may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke is also probable with continued exposure.