The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, April 3 said there is a slim chance of a low pressure area (LPA) entering or forming inside the country’s area of responsibility (PAR) until the end of the week. 

In PAGASA’s 4 a.m. public forecast, Obet Badrina also said there will still be a low chance of rains in parts of Northern Luzon, particularly in Cagayan Valley, due to a ridge of a high-pressure area or an anti-cyclone system.

Meanwhile, isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are still possible in the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

PAGASA also warned the public of flash floods or landslides that may occur during severe thunderstorms. 

Meanwhile, based on the PAGASA’s extended weather outlook from April 4 to 6, the actual air temperatures in some key areas are 24–35°C in Metro Manila, 24-33° in Legazpi City, 16–27°C in Baguio City, 25–33°C in Metro Cebu, 26–33°C in Iloilo City, 24–33°C in Tacloban City, 24–34°C in Metro Davao, 24–35°C in Zamboanga City, and 25–33°C in Cagayan de Oro City. 

Heat index

Badrina also reminded the public to be cautious of the heat index, or the heat that the body perceives, as hot weather will persist in the coming weeks, or until early May.

“Kapag umaabot na ng more than 40°C, maaari itong mag-cause ng heat cramps, heat exhaustion, ang mainit na panahon ay maaaring magdulot ng nakapanghihina na katawan, kasama rin iyong mga pulikat at ang pinakamatindi sa lahat ay iyong heat stroke, ibig sabihin maaaring mawalan ng malay sa sobrang init (When the heat index reaches 40°C, it may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion or it may weaken the body, but the worst effect is heat stroke, as one may lose consciousness),” Badrina said. 

For the heat index forecast on Thursday, April 4, PAGASA said 11 areas may have “dangerous” heat indices ranging from 42 to 51°C. 

PAGASA said a heat index as high as 44°C may prevail in Catarman, Northern Samar. 

It also said a heat index of 43°C may be recorded in the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) station in Pili, Camarines Sur, while a heat index of 42°C may be experienced in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Basco, Batanes; Aparri, Cagayan; Masbate, Masbate; Roxas City, Capiz; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Dumangas City, Iloilo; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Cotabato City Maguindanao.