By Brian Campued
Sweltering heat is still expected to continue across seven areas on Thursday, including Metro Manila, according to the state weather bureau.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) heat index forecast updated on Wednesday, the following areas will experience scorching hot weather:
- Sangley Point, Cavite City, Cavite – 43°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 43°C
- NAIA, Pasay City – 42°C
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 42°C
- Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 42°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 42°C
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 42°C
Based on the weather bureau’s latest monitoring, Dagupan City also sizzled at 44°C on Wednesday, recording the highest heat index for the day.
PAGASA defines heat index as the measurement of the temperature felt by the human body in conjunction with humidity. The “danger” category consists of heat indices between 42°C to 51°C.
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat temperature significantly increases the risk of fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
As such, the Department of Health (DOH) reminds the public to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, refrain from going outdoors between 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. whenever possible, and always bring an umbrella or wear any protective clothing to shield themselves from the sun.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said the easterlies will prevail over the archipelago on Thursday, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
The same weather system will likewise bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
No low pressure areas are being monitored for possible tropical cyclone formation, the state weather bureau said.
-av
