Summer’s not yet over: Heat index still to approach 40 degrees Celsius

Filipinos will endure more searing temperature and are advised to continue taking extra precautions against heat cramps and exhaustion after the state weather bureau released a five-day forecast of heat index in key cities across the country.

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (Pagasa) said warmer days are still expected even if the month of May, traditionally considered the warmest month of the year, is already coming to an end.

PAGASA said the heat index in Metro Manila is expected to be within the 38.5 to 39.5 degrees Celcius range and Tuguegarao City will experience 38.4 to 39.9 degrees Celcius heat indices for the remaining days of the month. Metro Cebu is likely to experience heat indices of 38.9-40.1 degrees Celcius in the same days, respectively.

In Laoag City, the heat index is forecast to hit a maximum of 37 degrees Celcius, while Baguio City is tipped to experience a heat index of 23.2 degrees Celcius.

Heat index or apparent temperature is the temperature’s effect to the human body taking into account the air temperature and relative humidity.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible and continuing activity could result in heat stroke under the “Extreme Caution” category.

Pagasa advises the public to stay indoors, and if there is no air-conditioning available, they should stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.

The public is also advised to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing; drink plenty of water; and eat small meals and often. John Lester Q. Alos, INQUIRER.net trainee/IDL