By Brian Campued
The low pressure area (LPA) monitored inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) will bring scattered rains across Visayas, southern portion of Luzon and the northern parts of Mindanao on Thursday, according to the state weather bureau.
As of 3:00 a.m., PAGASA said the LPA was last spotted 80 kilometers east-northeast of Cuyo, Palawan.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said in a briefing, “Itong low pressure area, hindi pa rin inaasahan na magiging isang bagyo at posibleng malusaw sa susunod na 24 oras.”
However, it will cause cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms in Visayas, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
Also, the easterlies will cause hot weather to most parts of Luzon, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Caraga and Davao Region.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, due to the easterlies.
Estareja said, “Itong easterlies din, mas maraming dalang moisture kaya aasahan din po ang mataas din na tsansa ng mga pag-uulan at thunderstorms lalo na sa dakong hapon at gabi.”
‘Danger’-level heat index expected
At least 16 areas across the country will continue to experience “dangerous” heat index levels this Thursday—with both Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Sangley Point in Cavite City expected to peak at 44ºC.
Based on PAGASA’s forecast, heat indexes in the following areas may reach 42°C to 43°C:
- NAIA, Pasay City – 43ºC
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 43ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 43ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 43ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 43ºC
- TAU Camiling, Tarlac – 43ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
- Ambulong Tanauan, Batangas – 42ºC
- NAS-UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna – 42ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 42ºC
- Cuyo, Palawan – 42ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 42ºC
According to PAGASA, heat index is the indicated level of how the human body feels the temperature relative to humidity. The “danger” category consists of heat indices between 42°C and 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.
—jpv
