The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has announced that hot and humid weather will persist in Metro Manila and across the country on Saturday, March 30.
“Patuloy pa rin ang epekto ng easterlies o yung mainit na hangin galing sa Karagatang Pasipiko dito sa silangang bahagi ng ating bansa (The effects of the easterlies, or the warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, will continue to be felt here in the eastern part of our country),” said weather specialist Daniel James Villamil in PAGASA’s latest weather forecast.
“For the next 24 hours, magpapatuloy itong mainit at maalinsangan na panahon sa Merto Manila at sa malaking bahagi ng ating kapuluan kasama yung mga tsansa ng thunderstorms passapit ng hapon hanggang sa gabi (For the next 24 hours, the hot and humid weather will persist in Metro Manila and in a large part of our archipelago, along with chances of thunderstorms later in the afternoon until evening),” he added.
PAGASA's weather forecast also showed the easterlies will continue to affect the eastern section of the country.
"Metro Manila and the rest of the country are expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms caused by easterlies/localized thunderstorms," PAGASA said.
It also warned of possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.
Heat index
PAGASA has identified eleven areas in the country where the heat index could reach "dangerous" levels on Black Saturday, as of the forecast released by 5 p.m. on March 29.
The heat index, as defined by PAGASA, is the gauge of perceived heat, accounting for both the actual air temperature and relative humidity.
Heat indices ranging from 42°C to 51°C are considered to be within the "danger" level.
The areas that could experience such dangerous heat indices include Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan in Palawan, Roxas City in Capiz (44°C), NAIA in Pasay City, San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, Iloilo City, and Dumangas in Iloilo (43°C), as well as Iba in Zambales, Alabat in Quezon, Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, and Mambusao in Capiz (42°C).
PAGASA noted that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely when heat indices reach the danger level, and heatstroke is also probable with continued exposure.
The public was advised to limit time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water (avoiding tea, coffee, soda, and liquor), wear umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors, and schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it’s cooler.
RELATED STORY:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/29/long-weekend-pagasa-warns-of-persistent-hot-humid-weather-ahead