By Brian Jules Campued
Some 38 areas across the country will continue to experience “dangerous” heat index levels on Monday (May 20, 2024), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The state weather bureau said Sangley Point in Cavite, Virac in Catanduanes, Roxas City in Capiz, and Catarman in Northern Samar are expected to hit 46°C.
Meanwhile, the heat index levels in the following areas may reach 42°C to 45°C:
- Iba, Zambales – 45°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 45°C
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 45°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 44°C
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 44°C
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 44°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 44°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44°C
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44°C
- Science Garden, Quezon City – 43°C
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 43°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 43°C
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 43°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43°C
- Coron, Palawan – 43°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 43°C
- Mambusao, Capiz – 43°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 43°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43°C
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
- Bacnotan, La Union – 42°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 42°C
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42°C
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42°C
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 42°C
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42°C
- Panglao International Airport, Bohol – 42°C
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 42°C
- Borongan, Eastern 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, warned 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 they should immediately take shelter under roofed buildings or places that may provide shade 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.
Meanwhile, the shear line will affect extreme northern Luzon on Monday, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Batanes, according to PAGASA.
The easterlies will bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
State meteorologists also said that thunderstorms are more likely to develop over Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite within 12 hours. – iro