Puerto Princesa City to sizzle at ‘danger’ level on March 25-26

Puerto Princesa City is predicted to experience a “danger” level heat index of 42 degrees Celsius on March 25 and 26, 2024. INQUIRER.net stock images

MANILA, Philippines — Puerto Princesa City is predicted to experience a “danger” level heat index of 42 degrees Celsius on March 25 and 26.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the heat index in the “danger” category ranges from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius. This could likely cause heat cramps and exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure to the sun.

Heat index measures the level of discomfort an average person experiences due to the combined effects of temperature and air humidity.

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The country is still feeling the effects of El Niño, a weather phenomenon that increases the prospect of below-normal rainfall conditions. Pagasa said such could bring “dry spells” or droughts to some parts of the country until the first quarter of 2024.

READ: Pagasa: Summer is officially here

Pagasa declared on March 23 that the country’s dry season officially started.

The Philippines has only dry and wet seasons. However, Filipinos commonly refer to the dry season as “summer” despite the country’s lack of such a season.

Ana Liza Solis, officer-in-charge of the climatology and agrometeorology division of Pagasa, previously mentioned that this year’s dry season “could be one of the warmest” due to the ongoing effects of El Niño.

Pagasa said the heat index may reach the “danger” and “extreme danger” categories from April to May this year.

Nevertheless, even as more warm and dry days are expected ahead with the onset of summer and a prevailing El Niño, Pagasa noted that isolated thunderstorms are still likely to occur, particularly in the afternoon or evening.