Despite rains over some parts of the country, warm weather continues as heat indices in 18 monitoring stations nationwide reached “dangerous” levels yesterday, with Guiuan, Eastern Samar registering the highest heat index of the day at 50.8 degrees Celsius around noon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Guiuan was followed by Ambulong, Batangas (46.2 degrees Celsius); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (45.3 degrees Celsius); Roxas City, Capiz (45.1 degrees Celsius); Sangley Point, Cavite (44.3 degrees Celsius); Cuyo, Palawan (43.1 degrees Celsius); El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental (42.8 degrees Celsius); San Jose City, Oriental Mindoro (42.6 degrees Celsius); Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City (42.4 degrees Celsius); Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte (42.3 degrees Celsius); Cotabato City, Maguindanao (42 degrees Celsius); Subic Bay, Olongapo City (42 degrees Celsius); Iba, Zambales (42 degrees Celsius); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (41.9 degrees Celsius); Alabat, Quezon (41.7 degrees Celsius); Casiguran, Aurora (41.2 degrees Celsius); Masbate City (41.2 degrees Celsius); and Daet, Camarines Norte (41 degrees Celsius).
Heat index is the “apparent” temperature or what a human perceives or feels as the temperature affects their body.
It is a combination of air temperature and humidity, thus, it is higher by at least two to three degrees Celsius from the actual air temperature reading.
With heat indices between 41 and 54 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said there is impending “danger” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.”
Legazpi City in Albay; Maasin, Southern Leyte; and Metro Manila also recorded heat indices on the 40s level at 40.6 degrees Celsius, 40.1 degrees Celsius, and 40.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
With heat indices between 32 to 41 degrees Celsius, PAGASA advised residents to observe “extreme caution” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible” and “continuing activity could result to heat stroke.”
If heat index is over 54 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said there is “extreme danger” as “heat stroke is imminent.”
PAGASA expects the frontal system to prevail over extreme Northern Luzon, while the easterly winds – the warm and humid air coming from the east – will prevail over Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)
