Pagasa to improve heat index monitoring system

GRAPHIC: ED LUSTAN/INQUIRER.NET

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau said that it will improve its current heat index monitoring and warning system, as the country faces intense heat in many areas.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Friday, the current system is limited and that it acknowledges suggestions to make the system better for factors such as school activities.

READ: Heat index for April 14: Eight areas to hit 42° to 43°C

“A 4-tier effect-based classification is used, emphasizing the combined effects of temperature and humidity on the human body, which primarily aims to serve as a guide for raising public awareness of the potential heat-related health impacts and promote adaptive strategies,” Pagasa said.

“Despite this, Pagasa acknowledges the limitations of its existing extreme heat-related warnings and welcomes the suggestion to tailor such information in the decision-making process, such as an extreme heat protocol relevant to school activities,” it added.

Currently, the Pagasa’s heat index classification system consists of four categories as shown below and their temperature ranges:

• Caution: 27 to 32 degrees Celsius
• Extreme Caution: 33 to 41 degrees Celsius
• Danger: 42 to 51 degrees Celsius
• Extreme Danger: 52 degrees Celsius and beyond

READ: Pagasa: No bad weather coming, but hot weather to continue

“Considering the foregoing, efforts are being made to improve the heat index monitoring and early warning system for the country. The agency’s technical working group on heat index operational issuance is exploring methods and resources to address challenges in the availability of data,” Pagasa continued.

Pagasa defines heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”