The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the magnitude of heat indices that will be recorded may increase in the first to second week of May.
In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Monday, April 29, weather specialist John Manalo said more areas in the country may experience “dangerous” heat indices in May.
“Ine-expect natin ang pag-increase sa May ay based po doon sa climatological or iyong sa mga past years na observations natin na usually, during May talaga may mga pinakamatataas na temperature and heat index na observed (We expect the increase in May is based on climatological or observations in past years whereas there has been highest temperature and heat index being usually recorded),” Manalo said.
PAGASA warned the public that heat exhaustion alongside with nausea and vomiting is possible with “dangerous” heat indices ranging from 42°C to 51°C, while heat stroke is imminent in areas with heat index of 52°C and above.
Manalo also noted that there was an “enhanced warming” in Metro Manila, as the effects of the El Niño phenomenon wwere“different” compared to the previous years.
“Itong 2024 ay malaki iyong naging response nitong El Niño, itong response ng El Niño sa ating enhanced temperature for 2024, so kumbaga, parang iyong nararamdaman ngayon talaga dito sa Metro Manila for example, I've never felt this kind of heat compared to the past years (The response of El Niño in 2024 to the enhanced temperature is severe, so meaning we can say that the heat we feel in Metro Manila for example, I've never felt this kind of heat compared to the past years),” he added.
Manalo also said that though El Niño is weakening, its adverse effects still persist.