By Brian Jules Campued
The high heat index levels will still be felt in at least 37 areas in the country on Friday (May 17, 2024), but may not be as intense as the record-high temperatures monitored in the previous month, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Based on the bulletin from the state weather bureau as of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, heat index levels of of 42°C to 45°C are likely to be experienced in the following parts of the country:
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 45°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 45°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 45°C
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 45°C
- Bacnotan, La Union – 44°C
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 44°C
- NAIA, Pasay City – 43°C
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 43°C
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 43°C
- Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 43°C
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 43°C
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 43°C
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 43°C
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 43°C
- Science Garden, Quezon City – 42°C
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
- MMSU Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 42°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42°C
- Iba, Zambales – 42°C
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 42°C
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 42°C
- Alabat, Quezon – 42°C
- Infanta, Quezon – 42°C
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 42°C
- CBSUA Pili, Camarines Sur – 42°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 42°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 42°C
- Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42°C
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 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.
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 — as the hot weather will continue to prevail over most parts of the country in May.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advised the public to: limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, as well as liquor; and use protective covers, such as umbrellas or hats.
“It’s important that we know the symptoms — excessive sweating, heat exhaustion, tiredness, dizziness, blurred vision until you vomit. It’s a bit alarming when you throw up. That would need immediate actions,” PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo said during an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
Thunderstorm warning
Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds are expected over Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Bulacan within the next two hours.
In an advisory issued 12:22 p.m. on Friday (May 17, 2024), PAGASA said the above conditions are being experienced in Quezon (Panukulan, Burdeos, Patnanungan) which may persist for two hours and affect nearby areas.
The state weather bureau advised the public to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards which include flash floods and landslides. – io
