By Brian Jules Campued
As Typhoon Aghon moves away from the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the country will continue to experience high heat index levels on Wednesday (May 29, 2024) — with Guiuan, Eastern Samar forecast to hit 53°C, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Guiuan has been experiencing an “extremely dangerous” heat index level for the past three days with as high as 55°C recorded both on Sunday and Tuesday.
The state weather bureau also said some 36 areas across the Philippines are expected to experience a “danger” level heat index:
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 45°C
- Virac (Synop) Catanduanes – 45°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 45°C
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44°C
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 44°C
- Tacloban, Leyte – 44°C
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 44°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 43°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 43°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 43°C
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 43°C
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 43°C
- NAIA, Pasay City – 42°C
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42°C
- MMSU Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
- Bacnotan, Ilocos Sur – 42°C
- NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – 42°C
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42°C
- Ambulong Tanauan, Batangas – 42°C
- Infanta, Quezon – 42°C
- Alabat, Quezon – 42°C
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42°C
- Romblon, Romblon – 42°C
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42°C
- Juban, Sorsogon – 42°C
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42°C
- Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental – 42°C
- Panglao International Airport, Bohol – 42°C
- Mactan International Airport, Cebu – 42°C
- Siquijor, Siquijor – 42°C
According to PAGASA, heat index is the measure of the temperature the human body feels relative to humidity. The “danger” level consists of heat indices between 42°C to 51°C, while above 52°C is considered “extreme danger”.
The state weather bureau, likewise, warns the public of the effects of prolonged exposure to extreme heat temperature — such as fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
For those who might experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses, the Department of Health (DOH) said the individual should immediately take shelter under roofed buildings or places that may provide shade away from the sun; remove thick pieces of clothing; use cold compress; slowly drink cold water; and seek medical assistance.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, the DOH advised the public to limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; wear light clothing; and use protective covers, such as umbrellas or hats.
Weather update
Based on the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin issued by PAGASA at 5 p.m., Typhoon Aghon was last spotted 535 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, while moving northeastward at 30 kilometers per hour.
Aghon is forecast to leave the PAR by Wednesday afternoon.
The southwesterly wind flow enhanced by the typhoon will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Apayao will also experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the frontal system.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms. – av
