By Brian Campued
The low pressure area (LPA) being monitored inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) will bring rains across Visayas and Mindanao, and the southern portion of Luzon on Saturday, according to the state weather bureau.
As of 8:00 a.m., PAGASA said the LPA was last spotted over the coastal waters of Mabini, Bohol and still has a low chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.
However, it will cause cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms in Visayas, Mindanao, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Quezon Province, and Batangas.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.
Meanwhile, based on PAGASA’s thunderstorm advisory at 9:23 a.m., moderate to heavy rainshowers with lightning and strong winds are expected over Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, and Quezon within the next two hours.
‘Danger’-level heat index expected
At least 19 areas across the country will continue to experience “dangerous” heat index levels this Saturday—with Baler (Radar), Aurora; Iba, Zambales; Sangley Point, Cavite City; and Infanta, Quezon expected to peak at 44ºC.
Based on PAGASA’s forecast, heat indices in the following areas may reach 42°C to 43°C:
- NAIA, Pasay City – 43ºC
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 43ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 43ºC
- Cubi Port, Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 43ºC
- Science Garden, Quezon City – 42ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 42ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42ºC
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
- TAU Camiling, Tarlac – 42ºC
- Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City – 42ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 42ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 42ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 42ºC
- Cuyo, Palawan – 42ºC
According to PAGASA, heat index is the measure of the temperature the human body feels 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.
—iro
