By Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz
Metro Manila on Tuesday recorded its hottest temperature so far this year at 35.8 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The temperature was specifically recorded at the PAGASA Science Garden monitoring station in Quezon City around 1:50 p.m. It is equivalent to a heat index of 39.0 degrees Celsius, which was how it was perceived by the human body.
A child cools off in a fountain in Sta. Cruz, Manila, Wednesday. It is not quite summer yet, according to the weather bureau, but the days are beginning to get warmer. (Jansen Romero/Manila Bulletin)
Heat index, which combines air temperature and relative humidity, is higher by at least 2 to 3 degrees Celsius from the actual air temperature.
PAGASA said that heat factor between 32 and 41 degrees Celsius may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while continuing activity could result in heat stroke.
Last year, Metro Manila's hottest temperature was also recorded on April 21 at 36.6 degrees Celsius.
PAGASA said warm and humid weather conditions will persist on Wednesday as the ridge of high pressure area and easterly winds remain the dominant weather systems across the country.
Based on the PAGASA data, the hottest days in Philippine history was on April 22, 1912 and May 11, 1969, which both occurred in Tuguegarao City, with an air temperature reaching 42.2 degrees Celsius.