A heat index falling under the “danger” category is expected in six areas nationwide on Tuesday, April 9, while hot and humid weather may be experienced across the country according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
“Asahan na magpapatuloy at matataas na temperatura ngayong araw (Expect the continuation of high temperatures today),” said PAGASA Weather Specialist Rhea Torres in a public weather forecast.
‘Dangerous’ heat indices
PAGASA’s highest heat index forecast released on April 8 showed that six areas in Luzon and Mindanao will experience high temperatures ranging from 42 to 44 degrees Celsius (°C).
Heat indices under the “danger” category are expected in Dagupan City, Pangasinan (44 °C); Puerto Princesa, Palawan (43 °C); Aborlan, Palawan (43 °C); Bacnotan, La Union (42 °C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42 °C); Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (42 °C).
As explained by PAGASA, the heat index refers to the temperature felt or perceived by the human body.
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A heat index between 42°C to 51°C is considered “dangerous,” according to PAGASA.
People who are exposed to these high temperatures may suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
PAGASA advised the public to limit time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors, and schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when temperatures are cooler.
Effect of easterlies
Torres explained that the easterlies, or the warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, continue to prevail throughout the country.
Moreover, Torres said there are no weather disturbances that could bring rain at this time.
“Sa ngayon po, wala tayong binabantayan na low-pressure area or bagyo sa loob at labas ng ating Philippine Area of Responsibility (At present, we are not monitoring any low-pressure area or typhoon inside or outside our Philippine Area of Responsibility),” Torres explained.
“Kaya asahan natin na ngayong araw ay magpapatuloy pa rin yung mainit na panahon sa buong bansa liban na lamang yung mga tsansa ng mga isolated na pag-ulan lalong lalo na sa silangang bahagi ng ating kapuluan (So we can expect the warm weather to continue throughout the country today, except for isolated chances of rainfall, especially in the eastern parts of our archipelago),” she added.
For Metro Manila, Torres said the expected temperature range will be between 23 to 34 °C.
While hot and humid weather will prevail in most parts of the country, Torres said partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are also possible, especially in the afternoon or at night.
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