(PIXABAY)
Filipinos across the country experienced yet another hot and humid weather as the observed heat index in 11 locations reached over 41 degrees Celsius (℃) on Wednesday, April 19. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) defines the heat index as the measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. Based on its monitoring, the areas with the highest heat indices observed on Wednesday were Aparri, Cagayan (46℃); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (46℃); Casiguran, Aurora (45℃); Catarman, Northern Samar (43℃); Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (42℃); Davao City, Davao del Sur (42℃); Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte (42℃); Guiuan, Eastern Samar (42℃); Masbate City, Masbate (42℃); San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42℃); and Sangley Point, Cavite (42℃). PAGASA said heat indices between 42°C and 51°C carry impending “danger” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.” Meanwhile, PAGASA's three monitoring stations in Metro Manila located at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, Science Garden in Quezon City, and Port Area in Manila recorded heat indices of 41°C, 40°C, and 38℃, respectively. PAGASA said observe “extreme caution” when heat indices reach 32°C to 41°C, as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible” and “continuing activity can result in heatstroke.” In the PAGASA’s revised data, the highest observed heat index since March 1, 2023, was 47 degrees Celsius in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on March 25. Partly cloudy to cloudy weather with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may prevail over the country, mostly in the eastern parts of Visayas and Mindanao, in the next 24 hours. PAGASA said the easterlies or the warm air coming from the Pacific Ocean will still be the dominant weather system in the country.