Metro Manila feels heat

A group of children frolic in Manila Bay along Navotas to beat the summer heat. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines—Monday, May 19, was the hottest in Metro Manila so far this year with the temperature rising to 36.6 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.

The reading at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration’s Science Garden in Quezon City soared to 36.6 degrees at 3:50 p.m.

Weather observer Nelson Goli said the previous highest temperature this year was the 36.5 degrees Celsius on May 11.

Goli said last year’s highest temperature reading was 36.6 degrees Celsius.

According to Pagasa, recorded temperatures are actually felt by the human body at two to three degrees higher. This means that the 36.6 degrees Celsius reading was felt at between 38 and 39 degrees in Metro Manila.

The weather bureau expects Metro Manila temperatures to remain at 36 degrees Celsius this week due to a high pressure area or anticyclone system across Luzon.

The “heat index” is projected to hit 40.1 degrees Celsius this week. “Heat index” is defined as the temperature humans perceive or feel as the heat affects them.

The weather bureau reminded the public to be wary of heat cramps and heat stroke due to the scorching summer heat.—Julie M. Aurelio

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