Hot weather prevails due to easterlies
Danger-level heat index possible in 17 areas on April 10
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, April 10 said the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will continue to bring hot weather across most of the country.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said the easterlies will bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies across the country, except for the eastern parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
However, while hot weather is expected, isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may still occur, especially in the afternoon or evening.
Seventeen areas may experience a “danger” level heat index, reaching at least 42 degrees Celsius (°C), on Thursday.
PAGASA’s forecast shows that Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Coron, Palawan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Virac, Catanduanes will have the highest heat index for the day at 43°C.
In addition, Echague, Isabela; Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Pampanga; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Cuyo, Palawan; Roxas City, Capiz; Dumangas, Iloilo; Panglao International Airport, Bohol; Catarman, Northern Samar; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; Musuan, Bukidnon; Cotabato City, Maguindanao; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte may record a heat index of 42°C.
A heat index between 42°C and 51°C is considered dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Prolonged exposure to such extreme conditions can lead to heatstroke.
Meanwhile, Estareja said Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental will experience cloudy conditions with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which forms when winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, leading to the formation of rain-bearing clouds.